Chargers derail Express for win No. 2

Despite a mediocre performance, Ronald Tubid proved to be big factor as Shell surged past FedEx, 100-84, in the 2005 Gran Matador PBA Fiesta Conference at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City last night.

Tubid accidentally hit Anthony Miller on the groin with his left foot while going for an undergoal shot early in the second period, leaving the FedEx import writhing in pain on the floor.

FedEx coach Bong Ramos was forced to sit Miller down for five minutes, and the Turbochargers capitalized on it, unleashing a key run that paved the way for their breakaway en route to their second straight victory in the season-ending tourney.

Shell was down by one, 26-27, when Miller took a respite from the hardcourt. The Turbochargers had surged ahead at 39-29 by the time the seven-year NBA veteran returned to the floor.

That proved to be opening Shell needed as the Turbochargers kept the Express at bay the rest of the way.

Curiously, Roger Yap, a former FedEx player, and Chris Calaguio, a player sought by the Air21 franchise during the league break, helped import Wesley Wilson in providing Shell the firepower in the one-sided contest.

Wilson had a huge double-double game with 28 points and 20 rebounds while Yap and Calaguio combined for 27 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists. Yap dished out a career-high nine feeds.

"Wesley Wilson has been saying that he’s here for business. Ayaw mapalitan dahil alam niya may standby import kami in Jameel Watkins," said Shell coach Leo Austria.

"Ang locals naman namin ay inspired with the way Wilson is playing. They enjoy playing with Wilson who is a team player," Austria added.

Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio showed up mentor and now Coca-Cola tactician Eric Altamirano as the Hotdogs whipped the Tigers, 74-69, in the second game.

"Coach Eric (Altamirano) will always be my mentor. But right now, we need to win and we just treated the game like any other game," said Gregorio.