The rookie pair of Ronald Tubid and Eddie Laure played like grizzled veterans in the homestretch and teamed up with old mainstay Dale Singson for clutch plays, saving the Turbochargers from what could have been a sorry loss to the Asi Taulava-less Phone Pals.
Tubid, Laure and Singson joined forces in a 14-2 closing run Shell unraveled to overcome a 63-72 deficit in the final 2:11 mark for a flying start in the tournament which it ruled in 1999.
"That’s really our trademark — never-say-die game. Whether losing or winning, we just fight and fight and fight," said Shell coach Perry Ronquillo. "I feel fortunate to have a team with a combination of young and old players who are all willing to fight."
Ronquillo had only good words for Tubid and Laure as the two newcomers immediately reeled off impressive games, emerging among the big heroes in Shell’s triumphant debut in the tournament.
Tubid stole off Mark Telan and scored two charities on a flagrant foul by Telan himself as Shell surged ahead for good at 73-72 with time down to 29 seconds. Laure, meanwhile, banged in two clutch baskets in Shell’s decisive closing run.
"Di ko binigyan ng pressure ang sarili ko. Basta naglaro lang ako ng laro ko at inisip ko lang na maka-contribute sa team kaya pressure-free ako," said Laure, who marked his first game in the PBA with 19 points and 10 rebounds in 30 minutes of action.
"Nandoon ang kaba, thankful lang ako binigyan ako ng kumpiyansa ni coach," said Tubid, who debuted with 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal in 14 minutes.
After Laure made it 75-72 on a short jumper with time down to 18 seconds, Talk N Text had a chance to send the game into overtime but Norman Gonzales missed a free throw that could have completed a three-point play off a foul by Laure in the ensuing play.
A jumpball ensued between Bong Ravena and Tubid.
Singson grabbed the looseball and dashed whatever left in Talk N Text’s bid with two fee throws off a fould by Ravena with time down to 4.7 seconds. — Nelson Beltran