Perennial contenders Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia look to overcome early struggles as they continue to seek their respective first wins against separate foes in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, July 24.

Both still groping for form, the Hotshots look to finally barge into the win column and snap a two-game dry spell when they take on the Meralco Bolts in the first offering at 5:15 p.m.

The Kings, meanwhile, are looking to erase the bitter memories of their rusty start when they also seek their first win against the surprising Blackwater Bossing in the second game at 7:30 p.m.

For Magnolia, the team is looking for a sense of urgency from its players, especially that it cannot afford to fall into a 0-3 record again just like in the previous conference.

“Kailangan mag-adjust. Nangyari na ‘to. As a veteran kailangan mag usap-usap sa mga adjustment namin, kung ano yung kailangan namin,” said veteran guard Mark Barroca after the 81-89 loss to Blackwater.

Import KJ Buffen, for one, is still adjusting to the PBA brand of play.

“May konting adjustments lang siguro kasi minsan, hindi niya pa alam yung… kung siya pupwesto. Saan ‘yung mismatches,” he added.

Likewise, still adjusting to playing without Justin Brownlee, Barangay Ginebra is hoping to put up a better fight after absorbing a 78-81 defeat against Phoenix.

Import Riley Grigsby made a good account of himself with 42 points and 13 rebounds but will need more from the Kings locals with Jeremiah Gray only the best scoring local with nine points.

But Blackwater isn’t a pushover just judging their first three games of the season-ending conference. The Bossing could have even been on a 3-0 slate after pushing the Bolts to the limit before folding in the end, 114-116.

“You have to give Blackwater credit. We’re up 18 but they have no quit and that’s a testament to what coach Pat Aquino has been doing there. They’re playing really well,” he added.