Slumping Kings in survival mode

Games today:

(Ninoy Aquino Stadium)

5:15 p.m. — Blackwater vs Magnolia

7:30 p.m. — Ginebra vs Rain or Shine

Lumbering at the bottom of Group B, Barangay Ginebra is now in survival mode in its last four games in the elimination round of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

It doesn’t get any easier for the Kings as they take on the pool’s top team Rain or Shine today at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

All eyes will be on Ginebra’s new import Jordan Murphy in the 7:30 p.m. clash, as the Kings faithful put their hopes on the 6-foot-6 Puerto Rican to turn the team’s fortunes around.

Murphy, a product of University of Minnesota, takes on the spot of Riley Grigsby. Hopes of the Kings seeing the return of resident reinforcement Justin Brownlee was shattered after head coach Tim Cone revealed that the four-time Best Import is dealing with serious heart issues.

Cone, however, believes Murphy is a good fit to his system.

“We like his inside and outside capabilities,” Cone said.

Ginebra is coming off back-to-back losses before the long break.

The Elasto Painters, on the other hand, are on a hot four-game winning streak after a 0-2 start, including a 110-99 victory over Ginebra last 26 July.

Meanwhile, Blackwater and Magnolia battle at 5:15 p.m. in the curtain-raiser.

In the congested Group B, the Hotshots are tied in second to third beside idle Phoenix with 4-3 card while the Bossing are within striking distance with a 3-3 slate.

Magnolia is gunning for a fourth straight win to enhance its chances of gaining inclusion among the top four teams from the fold advancing to the quarterfinals.

Blackwater has the same mission to hold off trailers Meralco (3-5) and Ginebra.

“At least, our destiny is in our hand, that’s the best scenario for us,” Aquino said.

Aquino also knows that his team’s 89-81 win over Magnolia in their initial meeting last 18 July should serve both sides.