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SLR 101, BK 93

On: 31 October 2009

Josh Urbiztondo

Joshua Urbiztondo, an undrafted Fil-Am rookie, introduced himself to the local pro league last 30 October 2009.

Given extended minutes with Ryan Reyes slowed down by an injury, Urbiztondo grabbed the opportunity for a breakout game, erupting for 24 points to lead Sta. Lucia to a 101-93 win over Burger King in the pre-Haloween presentation of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

"I just tried to bring out the energy of the team and I think I was able to do that while also having some point production," said the 26-year-old Fil-Am tracing his roots in Bulacan.

"Much credit belonged to the guy. He stepped up while Ryan Reyes played limited minutes due to an ankle sprain," said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.

Urbiztondo, who scored a total of only eight points in his first three games in the PBA, amassed 24 against the Whoppers, going 2-of-5 from the three-point area, 7-of-11 from the two-point zone and 4-of-5 from the stripe.

The gutsy guard also produced four rebounds, four assists and two steals against one error in 34 minutes of action.

"With Ryan injured, we changed our rotation, getting Joshua to play the point and sliding Ryan at No. 2. It worked well and I think it deserves a second look. We'll analyze things baka pwedeng ulitin ng ulitin," said Fernandez.

Reyes, Dennis Daa, Kelly Williams and Nelbert Omolon got their usual numbers, and the Realtors had a relatively easy time repulsing the Whoppers to gain solo second place in the tourney with a 3-1 win-loss marks.

BK played catch-up basketball practically all night as it suffered a third loss against a lone win.

Reyes came through with 15 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals in playing half-healthy.

Daa had 15 points and four rebounds, Williams had 14 points and the same number of rebounds while Omolon had 10 points.

Urbiztondo amassed 15 just in the opening half.

He formed a deadly backcourt partnership with Reyes with the two combining for 37 points as the Realtors took the turn at 54-40.

The Realtors established control early, closing the opening period at 25-15.

Sta. Lucia worked hard from the opening tip, forcing Burger King to 17 turnovers just in the first 24 minutes of play. The Realtors produced 20 huge points on those BK errors.

The Realtors were also a lot steadier in field-goal shooting, hitting at a 58.5-percent clip as against the Whoppers' 38.5-percent marksmanship.

Daa was a third Realtor hitting double-digit mark right at the half, making 11 on 4-of-4 field-goal shooting and 3-of-4 free throws.

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