Returning Akhuetie carries Perpetual to 1st win

Bright Akhuetie with a throwdown. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Returning Bright Akhuetie proved to be the difference maker as Perpetual Help downed Jose Rizal U, 58-50, for its first victory in the NCAA Season 92 men’s basketball tournament Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Missing the Altas’ season opener due to a sprained knee, the 19-year-old Nigerian big man took care of business down the stretch, scoring eight of Perpetual’s last nine points in the final four minutes to shake off the struggling Heavy Bombers.

Akhuetie finished with 19 points and eight rebounds to level the Altas to a 1-1 slate.

“Fino-force talaga namin sya makabalik. Maliit kami at kailangan talaga namin yung serbisyo nya,” said coach Jimwell Gican as Perpetual truly benefitted on Akhuetie’s rousing return.

Gerald Dizon also added 12 markers and five boards, while Gab Dagangon chipped in 10 points and eight rebounds.

Gican was also relieved to get that first win out of the way: “At least nabasag yung itlog. At least nakabwelo na kami para sa mga susunod na games.”

Tey Teodoro was the only bright spot for JRU (0-2), scoring a team-high 24 points on 9-of-20 shooting from the field, alongside five rebounds.

The Scores:

PERPETUAL 58 – Akhuetie 19, Dizon 12, Dagangon 10, Ylagan 7, Eze 6, Pido 2, Singontiko 0, Cabiltes 0, Hao 0.
JRU 50 – Teodoro 24, Dela Paz 6, Grospe 6, Lasquety 5, Abdulwahab 4, Dela Virgen 3, Evardo 2, Poutouochi 0, Caballero 0, Cruz 0, Mendoza 0, Mendoza 0, Pontejos 0, Salaveria 0.

Quarters: 14-14, 31-25, 42-39, 58-50.