Shell clinches 3rd place

Mike Hrabak did a rare feat, scoring a career-high output in a half, and Shell overcame a lousy start, repulsing Pop Cola, 96-87, for the second runner-up honors in the PBA Governors Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

Hrabak stepped up when needed most in the final half, making a personal best of 24 points and fueling a big comeback by the Turbo Chargers on their way to the third-place clinching victory.

The Turbo Chargers wound up without a title in the season but coach Perry Ronquillo expressed great satisfaction as they, indeed, made big inroads from their woeful campaign in the 2000 season.

For the record, Shell ended up deadlast last season with a 9-24 win-loss record throughout the year. This year, the Turbo Chargers closed out with a 25-26 card, good for fourth or fifth depending on the result of the San Miguel-Sta. Lucia finals.

"We’re happy we ended the season with these accomplishments. We’re only on a rebuilding process this year but we’d shown great progress. We hope to make even better next year," said Ronquillo.

However, Ronquillo revealed that he has yet to get a new contract with Shell and said he’s keeping his option open, meaning he’ll welcome offers from other teams. There were reports that he’s in a short list the Talk N Text management is considering to take over the job vacated by Louie Alas.

If he stays with Shell, Ronquillo said he’ll look for one legitimate center and try to improve the team’s athleticism as they can figure well in the battle next year.

"I had a preliminary talk with Shell but nothing formal. They wanted me to stay to keep the program. I would like to stay but it depends on a lot of things. Hopefully, we come to terms," said Ronquillo, who’s been with the ballclub for seven years now.

Hrabak, a prized recruit of Ronquillo in this year’s draft, proved to be Shell’s man of the hour last night.

He outshone all others in the fourth quarter, firing two triples and a total of 12 points, with Chris Jackson and Rob Wainwright already riding the bench due to injuries.

Askia Jones, who struggled for only eight points in the first half, had his share of glory in the payoff, rifling in 11 points, including four in a decisive 10-0 binge that settled the outcome of the game at 96-87 with time down to 50 seconds.

The Panthers dominated the game three-fourths of the way but lost steam and firepower in the end, losing what could be their last game in the league under the RFM Corp. franchise.

In fact, Pop Cola team manager Elme Yanga even dropped by in the press room after the game, biding farewell to his sportswriter-friends. "Baka huling game na naming ito," he said.

San Miguel Corp. wants the Pop Cola ballclub be included in its P11.6 billion purchase of the Cosmos Bottling Corp. from the RFM Corp. The PBA board of governors will discuss the matter in another meeting on Dec. 17.