Jones powers Shell past Alaska

Getting the needed support from his teammates this time, Askia Jones got the job done for Shell last night as the Turbo Chargers pounded out a 99-81 victory over Alaska Milk in the PBA Governors Cup at the Philsports Arena.

Jones, who played briefly for the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1994, pumped in 19 of his 47 points in the third period where Shell outscored Alaska, 34-18, for a commanding 78-56 lead entering the final quarter.

The victory made up for the Turbo Chargers’ 90-92 loss to Talk N Text last Sunday. The loss, on the other hand, was the second in a row for the Milkmen, who absorbed an 89-97 defeat to Purefoods last Saturday.

"We played as a team and it enabled Jones to get some space. That’s the way to win ballgames," said Shell coach Perry Ronquillo, who also drew 18 points from Mark Telan and 10 apiece from Michael Hrabak and Dale Singson.

Against the Phone Pals, Jones had 42 points but failed to get enough support from the locals with Hrabak and Telan as the top scorers with 10 and nine points, respectively. Last night, Jones got off to a hot start, scoring 22 points in the first half.

Ronquillo also credited his players’ tough defense in scoring their third straight victory over Alaska this season. "Defensively, we held up," he said.