April 17: The Shell Helix Oilers rode high on the heroics of Leo Austria's back-to-back triples going into the last two minutes to prevail over Purefoods Hotdogs, 125-119, for their first victory of the season after six losses.
[1] July 30: Leo Austria sank a jumper with a second left in the extension period as Shell ends its woes with a 117-116 overtime victory over Añejo Rum in Batangas City for their second win in eight outings in the All-Filipino Conference, snapping their five-game losing streak and give acting coach Charlie Favis his first win since taking over the post vacated by Joe Lipa.
In Game five of the Reinforced Conference finals, the San Miguel Beermen had the championship all wrapped up with a minute left and started prematurely celebrating; confetti and balloons were already released from the ceiling.
Irked by what the SMB people did, Shell coach Dante Silverio ordered his team to walk out and headed to the dugout with still 36 seconds remaining, the Beermen on top, 147-138.
Under new coach Dante Silverio, Shell began winning with their new-found character, the Diesel Oilers made it all the way to the Third Conference finals against defending champion San Miguel Beermen, played well as an underdog in eventually losing 1-4 in the best-of-seven series.