Urbiztondo's 31 lifts Express to upset win vs Beermen

Josh Urbiztondo exploded for 31 points and nailed a big three-pointer in the dying seconds that sealed Air21's 92-87 upset of San Miguel Friday night in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo. The sophomore guard also issued six assists and went near-flawless from three-point range with a 7-of-8 clip. None of them was more significant than the one he let loose in the final 29 seconds, stretching a slim one-point Express lead to four points at89-85. The stirring win was a rousing welcome for Air21 coach Bong Ramos in his return stint with the franchise, and came amidst a reported trade between the Express and the Beermen which league commissioner Chito Salud said he will definitely disapprove if and when the deal reaches his office. The supposed trade – first reported by GMANews Online – involved a seven-player pact that will have the Beermen sending ageing veterans Danny Seigle and Mick Pennisi along with young guard Joseph Yeo to the Express for the team's top three rookie picks in last year's Draft, namely Noy Baclao, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Rey Guevarra. San Miguel's first round pick in the 2011 Draft had also been included in the package. But Salud believes there is an obvious disparity in it. "It's about time that Air21 come out in the open and answer to the public," he said. "You should ask why would they do that? Why give up their top three picks? They were very proud at first of their choices, but why give them up now after only one conference?" Urbiztondo had nothing but praises for his new coach. "He's a great coach who lets you play your game," said the Express guard. Urbiztondo already had 22 points in the first half alone, spiked by 6-of-7 shooting from behind the arc, and helping the Express take a 50-40 lead at the break. Air21 stretched the lead to its biggest at 52-40 on a basket by import Jeremy Robinson to start the third quarter. But San Miguel, runner up to Talk 'N Text in the last Philippine Cup, willed its way back to the game, and appeared ready to turn the table when Ira Brown scored on a two-handed slam on a transition play to put the Beermen on top, 85-84. The Express quickly regained the lead on a strong drive by new acquisition Leo Avenido, 86-85 with 67 seconds left. And after the Beermen threw their possession away with a traveling violation by Alex Cabagnot, Urbiztondo hit the huge three-pointer that sealed it for Air21. Robinson, suiting up for his second stint with the Express, accounted for 14 points, the same as Al-Hussaini's output, while adding 10 rebounds. Brown had a decent debut with 30 points and 12 rebounds. Jay Washington led the San Miguel locals with 15, including a follow-up basket with 13 seconds left that made it a two-point game at 89-87. But three straight free throws by Urbiztondo and Avenido finished the Beermen for good. – JVP, KY, GMA News