Askia Jones had another sterling all-around game with 43 points and 13 rebounds and four assists but the biggest story proved to be Shell’s domination of the paint and its defensive effort on the Ginebra backcourt as the Turbo Chargers nailed their fifth win in eight outings.
That enhanced Shell’s bid for a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinal round with the team hanging on at third place, now with a full-game advantage over Red Bull and San Miguel, which are tied at fourth with identical 4-4 marks.
Ginebra fell to sixth place in a tie with Pop Cola at 4-5.
So impressive was the defensive stance of the Turbo Chargers that they practically feasted on the boards while defusing the Kings’ fearsome run-and-gun game with Caguioa and Helterbrand in check.
Caguioa and Helterbrand, who have emerged as the new vital links in Ginebra’s offensive machinery, were held down to only three points. Caguioa made it three with a side jumper in the closing seconds.
Meanwhile, Alaska Milk and San Miguel Beer renew their rivalry in a crucial match tonight at the Araneta Coliseum with both seeking to keep their streak going to stay in the hunt for a twice-to-beat incentive in the PBA Governors Cup quarterfinals.