Chargers turn back Phone Pals

With its woeful campaign last season behind it, Shell made a big start last night as the Turbo Chargers, riding high on the exploits of old mainstays, repulsed the Mobiline Phone Pals, 68-59, in the Philippine Basketball Association 2001 season at the Philsports Arena.

"We threw the ball away a lot of times because we’re still feeling our way. But if we go by the result of the game, there’s no question that we should be happy," said Shell coach Perry Ronquillo. "We won only nine games last year. Now, we’ve got one already."

Coming off their worst season in the league with nine wins against 24 losses, the Turbo Chargers virtually made a statement as they held their ground against a team tipped to emerge as one of the title contenders this year.

Mark Clemence Telan, last year’s Most Improved Player awardee, dished off a brilliant performance coming off the bench and clinched the victory for Shell on his clutch plays down the stretch. He finished with 19 points, six rebounds, and two steals.

The highly-touted Michael Hrabak, Shell’s second pick overall in this year’s rookie draft, was hardly a factor as he saw action for only 15 minutes, going 1-of-5 from the field.

Ronquillo said he purposely gave Hrabak a limited playing time as he didn’t want to put pressure on the Fil-Am player right away. The Shell coach said: "He will get his coming out party for sure. But I plan to build him up slowly."

Veterans Benjie Paras, Jun Marzan and Chris Jackson were the other Turbo Chargers who made an impact last night. Paras, who’s back from sickbay, logged 11 points, six rebounds and five assists, Marzan chipped in 10 points and three rebounds while Jackson pulled down 13 rebounds, stole thrice, issued two assists and fired two points.

Riding a new wave of confidence following a virtual overhaul in the off-season, Pop Cola also made an auspicious start with an 88-77 drubbing of Red Bull in the second game.

Nelson Asaytono blended well with Rudy Hatfield, Johnny Abarrientos and Poch Juinio in their first game together as the Panthers spoiled the debut of top draft pick Willie Miller and the return of Kerby Raymundo to the Thunder.