SOPHOMORE point guard Rommel Santos filled in well for Ronnie Magsanoc, leading Formula Shell to a 78-70 win over Alaska Milk yesterday in the PBA All-Filipino Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Santos, who pitched in for Magsanoc who was nursing a thigh injury, scored 14 points and had five assists in giving Shell only their second victory in five games.

In the second game, Nelson Asaytono scored a season-high 42 points and grabbed 11 points as he carried San Miguel Beer into a 90-83 win over Mobiline Cellulars.

Asaytono's heroics started in the third quarter where he made 24 points to hand the Beermen a 64-51 lead going into the last quarter.

Mobiline was able to trim the deficit to 67-68 with a 19-4 run but lost steam when Asaytono led the Beermen's counter.

Santos started Shell's fourth quarter 15-6 run which he himself capped with a three-pointer as the Zoom Masters led by 11 points with 4:15 left in the game.

Alaska was able to cut the lead to 68-75 following Jojo Lastimosa's three straight baskets from the charity lane as Shell was called for the three consecutive fouls.

But as Alaska was moving closer, Shell other back-up point guard Ritchie Ticzon fired a three point shot that put the Alaskans away for good with 1:13 left and the score fixed at 78-68. -PERRY LEGASPI

March 07,1997
Alaska plays slumping Shell tonight.

It's Black versus Jacobs in Mobiline-SMB clash today.

March 05,1997
Mobiline buries troubled Pop Cola deeper in the cellar.

Pumaren's `firing' denied; cagers blamed.

March 04,1997
Gordon's Gin, Sta. Lucia clash in battle of leaders.

Pumaren on his way out?

March 03,1997
Alaska stops Gordon's streak.

Jaworski charms PBA reporters.

Alaska halts Gordon's streak.

March 02,1997
Gordon's Gin tests Alaska mettle today.

March 01,1997
PureFoods rips Alaska Milkmen, 88-63.

Gordon's stays sparkling clear.

New twist in Jacobs-BCAP case.

PBA twinbill in Pampanga.

February 28,1997
Gordon's Gin eyes 3rd straight win.