Josh Urbiztondo came through with a performance to remember as he willed Air21 to a giant-sized 92-87 victory over Philippine Cup runner up San Miguel to jumpstart its bid in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The diminutive but lightning-quick Urbiztondo torched the Beermen with a career best 31-point effort he laced with seven booming triples to practically carry the Express to victory and on track to making a big dent this conference.

Urbiztondo, who erased his previous high of 24 points he recorded in a game by his formrer team Sta. Lucia against Burger King two years ago, had most of his shots going, connecting on 10 of 15 of them and spiked his spectacular offensive effort with six assists and three boards.

It was a fitting gift to his 28th birthday on Monday as well as the return of coach Bong Ramos, who is back after a couple of years stint six seasons back.

"I have to thank coach Bong Ramos and my teammates for having faith in me," said Urbiztondo.

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.

"We're lucky and we're thankful to God for putting us in the right place and the right time," said Ramos, whose last coaching stint was with the Brunei Barracudas in the Asean Basketball League.

Ramos also denied reports they were trading Noy Baclao, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Rey Guevarra--the top three rookie draft picks this year--in exchange for San Miguel's Danny Seigle, Mick Pennisi and Joseph Yeo.

"It's not true. If it's true, I would know for sure but its really not true," said Ramos, who also posted his first win over San Miguel as a coach after two failed attempts during his first tour of duty with the Express.

The Beermen made their move in the third quarter when Brown unleashed a nine-point barrage as they outscored the Express, 27-20, in the period to cut a 10-point halfcourt deficit to just three, 67-70, approaching the final canto.

Josh Urbiztondo came off the bench by torching the Beermen with 22 points he laced with six booming triples to help the Express erect a 50-40 advantage at the break.

So hot was the diminutive but scrappy Urbiztondo that he made seven of his nine shots from the field including an impressive six-of-seven clip from behind the arc and spiked his superb offensive game with four assists, a rebound and a block during that first half span.

Rabeh Al-Hussaini waxed hot early by unloading six points as the Express seized the early lead and initiative, 20-18, after the first quarter.

In the period, Air21 struggled with its shots as it missed 19 of the 27 shots they attempted but still managed to hang on the precarious upper hand.

The scores:

Air21 92- Urbiztondo 31, Robinso 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, Sakvacion 5, Miranda 4, Ildefonso 4, Pena 3, Hontiveros 2, Artadi 0

Quarterscores: 20-18; 50-40; 70-67; 92-87