Probably surprised as anybody else for finding itself on top by 20 points, Mobiline almost gave it up and the win down the stretch before digging into its new- found bench depth to beat Pure Foods Corned Beef, 84-78, last night in the PBA All-Filipino Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Rookie Patrick Fran, sent back into the game's final 1:38 minutes, saved the Cellulars from an embarassing second straight loss with an all-around effort that included a nice feed on fellow greenhorn Andy Seigle and four consecutive free throws.

His presence in that crucial stage likewise lessened the sting of a choking full-court press employed by the Cowboys in clawing back from a 53-73 deficit in the 6:42-minute mark.

"Fran's responsible in giving us that big lead which we almost lost when I took him out of the game. I brought him back and he responded well," said coach Norman Black.

The new Mobiline mentor, who lost his first foray in the conference to defending champion Alaska Milk on opening-day last Feb. 16, has just put in his starters when Pure Foods decided to make a run from 20 points down.

Limited to just a basket by Glen Capacio and forced into six turnovers, the Cellulars saw Jerry Codinera, Bong Ravena, Alvin Patrimonio and Dindo Pumaren combining for 19 points to push the Cowboys to within 72-75 still 71 seconds remaining.

In that particular stretch, it seemed Mobiline was back to its old ways while Pure Foods came threateningly close to averting a 0-2 start in the tournament.

Until Fran, who was drafted but never signed by Pure Foods last year, came back to bring sanity back to Mobiline on the floor.

Zig-zagging down to the Cellulars court, Fran found Seigle near the basket but the latter was tackled by Codinera before he could stuff the ball in. The Fil-American rookie made both freebies for 77-72.

February 22,1997
Jacobs steers San Mig to a big 70-66 victory.

February 21,1997
Sta. Lucia guns for win No.2; Jacobs debuts with San Miguel.

February 20,1997
BCAP to pursue fight vs. Jacobs.

February 19,1997
Sta. Lucia posts 'ugly win' over Pop Cola.

Decimated Gordon's Gin drops Shell, 88-81.

Angry Ginebra finally drops bid to re-sign Feihl.

February 18,1997
Gordon's Gin, Shell mix it up tonight.

February 17,1997
Alaska thunders past Mobiline.

February 16,1997
PBA 23rd season opens with grand slam coaches.