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Source: abs-cbnnews.com

-- Filipino-American Joshua Urbiztondo of Sta. Lucia Realty showed his chops on the hard court last Friday in what was considered as the breakout game of the rookie from California.

The 6-foot Urbiztondo contributed 24 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals in the Realtors’ 101-93 victory over Burger King (BK).

Such performance earned him the “KFC/Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week” award for the period of Oct. 26 to 30, PBA.ph reported.

Urbiztondo, a San Mateo, California native, played for Foothill College and Fresno Pacific University, a Division I NAIA school.

Before playing in the PBA, the 26-year-old was part of PBL teams Kettle Korn, Pharex and Burger King. He also suited up for the Pampanga Buddies.

He was named Defensive Stopper and a one-time Three-Point King runner-up while playing in the PBL.

Something to prove

“I just wanted to come out with intensity and energy to set the tone for the game,” Urbiztondo told PBA.ph.

Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez revealed that he changed his team’s rotation last Friday because Ryan Reyes was nursing a sprain.

“Coach Boyet gave me the opportunity and he had trust in me. Fortunately, I was able to take advantage of the opportunity and produce,” noted Urbiztondo.

Fernandez, for his part, said: “Josh has gone a long way just three weeks into the season… The whole team is happy for him.”

Reyes, meantime, remarked that the Realtors want Urbiztondo to continue his breakout performance. “He had something to prove since he was undrafted, and he made a statement, that he belongs in the PBA,” said Reyes.

The victory over BK promoted Sta. Lucia (3-1) to No. 2 in the PBA Philippine Cup standings.

Up next

Fernandez also disclosed that he will stick with the rotation last Friday for the Realtors’ next game against the No. 1 Alaska Aces (4-0) on Wednesday.

“It will be a good matchup, [LA] Tenorio and Urbiztondo,” he commented.

Urbiztondo proved to be a good starter as he scored 15 of his 24 points in the 1st half.

He finished with a 2-of-5 clip from the 3-point area, 7-of-11 from the 2-point zone and 4-of-5 from the stripe, PBA.ph noted. In addition, he only made 1 error in 34 minutes of play.