PLAYMAKER Josh Urbiztondo began the Air21 Express’ post-Yeng Guiao era with a bang.

Urbiztondo unleashed a career-high 31 points as the Air21 Express surprised the heavily-favored San Miguel Beermen, 92-87, in the start of their campaign in the 36th Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Displaying an import form the rest of the way, Urbiztondo was scorching hot beyond the three-point arc as he fired 7-of-8 from downtown and dished out six assists and grabbed three rebounds in his first impressive game so far as member of the Express since last year.

“I have to thank coach Bong Ramos and my teammates for having faith in me,” said the 5-foot-7 guard Urbiztondo, who erased his previous career high 24 points, which he registered against Burger King when he was still with the Sta. Lucia Realtors in 2009.

Hot’

Urbiztondo, who shot 10-of-15 all over the field, started hot by hitting six of seven shots at the three-point zone in the first half and the Express took a commanding 50-40 cushion going to half time. He scored 22 points already in the first two quarters.

The Beermen tried to narrow the gap and comeback in the third period when San Miguel Beer import Ira Brown dropped a nine-point bomb on the Express to slice the deficit to only three, 67-70, going to the final period.

But defense and timely baskets from Jay-R Reyes, rookie Rabeh Al-Hussaini and come-backing import Geremy Robinson in the last canto proved to be enough to stall San Miguel Beer’s menacing rally that put Air21 to its first win in first game.

“We’re lucky and we’re thankful to God for putting us in the right place and the right time,” said

Ramos, who coached the Brunei Barracudas last year in the ABL. “This is a good start. I’m hoping we sustain this momentum.”

It was a fitting gift to Urbiztondo’s 28th birthday on Monday as well as the return of coach Bong Ramos, who is back after six seasons. He filled the void vacated by former mentor Yeng Guiao who is now with Rain or Shine.

‘Come Backing’

Robinson and Al-Hussaini finished with 14 points each, while newly-acquisition 6-foot-7 forward Jay-R Reyes provided 11 points and come backing Leo Avenido, who played for the Singapore Slingers in the Asian Basketball League (ABL), had nine points.

It was also Air21’s first victory after eight straight losses to San Miguel, which is coming off a second place finish in the Philippine Cup behind eventual champion Talk N’ Text.

Brown led San Miguel Beer with 30 points and Anthony Washington had 15 points.

Air21’s Notes:

The Ramoses – Bong and team governor Johann – have denied news reports that they were trading Noy Baclao, Al-Hussaini and Rey Guevarra–the top three rookie draft picks this year—in exchange for San Miguel Beer’s Danny Seigle, Mick Pennisi and Joseph Yeo.

Bong Ramos told www.pba.com.ph, the league’s official site: “It’s not true. If it’s true, I would know for sure but it is really, really not true,” said Ramos, who posted his first win over San Miguel as a coach after two failed attempts during his first tour of duty with the Express.

Johann Ramos, in a text message sent to Air21’s official site www.air21-express.com, said: “No such thing [rumor trade]. I was confined in the hospital for 11 days and I have no knowledge of that.”

Individual Scores:

Air21 92 – Urbiztondo 31, Robinson 14, Al-Hussaini 14, Reyes 11, Avenido 9, Baclao 4, Juntilla 4, Gonzales 3, Najorda 2, Arboleda 0.

San Miguel 87 – Brown 30, Washington 15, Santos 11, Cabagnot 7, Yeo 6, Salvacion 5, Miranda 4, Ildefonso 4, Pena 3, Hontiveros 2, Artadi 0.

Quarter Scores: 20-18, 50-40, 70-67, 92-87

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