De la Cruz powers Shell vs Red Bull

Here’s one reason why Shell won’t probably opt to trade Fil-Am Tony de la Cruz for any other player.

Proving his worth to the team, De la Cruz fired 28 points as he helped power the Turbochargers past the Red Bull Barakos, 99-86, yesterday in the Gran Matador PBA Fiesta Conference at the Makati Coliseum.

Dela Cruz, one of the players mentioned in trade rumors involving Barangay Ginebra, scattered half of his team-high output in the fourth quarter when he took advantage of Red Bull’s defensive lapses from the perimeter.

Import Jameel Watkins backed De la Cruz with a solid game as the tallest import in the conference at 6’8 1/4" scored 16 points, including two rim-rattling slams, while hauling down 22 rebounds, making six shotblocks, dishing off three assists plus a steal to steer the Turbo Chargers to their fifth win against seven losses for solo sixth.

"He just makes this team look better," said Shell coach Leo Austria of Watkins, who is now 2-1 since replacing Marek Ondera two weeks ago.

"Hindi lang sa depensa, pati sa opensa din kasi laging fiesta ang shooters ko pag andyan siya," added Austria.

Shell likewise drew big numbers from Mike Hrabak, Kalani Ferreria and a resurgent Ronald Tubid.

Meanwhile, Talk n Text banked on a monster effort by Asi Taulava as it smothered FedEx, 119-90, for its seventh triumph against five defeats.

It was the Express’ eighth setback against three wins.