Perpetual catches ‘big fish,’ snaps Letran’s 4-game streak

Photo by Tristan Tamayo

Perpetual used a late spurt to repulse Letran, 61-55, Friday in NCAA Season 92 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Bright Akhuetie carried his squad to the big win with 21 points, 16 rebounds, three blocks, and two assists.

Gab Dagangon also added 14 markers and seven boards, but the biggest baskets came from AJ Coronel, who scored the team’s final five points to give the Las Pinas side their third win in five games.

“Big fish,” quipped coach Jimwell Gican. “It’s a good sign for us kasi it shows na malaki ang chance namin sa Final Four.”

Gican also praised his team’s defensive gameplan, as Perpetual held Letran to a measly 34-percent shooting from the field which showed in the low scoring affair.

“Gusto namin i-credit sa mga players yung panalo because they worked hard on defense,” the coach said. “Depensa talaga ang tinutukan namin. Kahit medyo nag-suffer yung opensa namin, at least nag-work yung depensa.”

The Knights also saw their four-game winning streak snapped to go down to a 4-2 slate.

Rey Nambatac led Letran with 19 points and eight rebounds, while JP Calvo added 12 markers in the losing effort.

The Scores:

PERPETUAL 61 – Akhuetie 21, Dagangon 14, Coronel 13, Pido 7, Dizon 2, Eze 2, Singontiko 2, Hao 0, Oliveria 0, Sadiwa 0, Yuhico 0.
LETRAN 55 – Nambatac 19, Calvo 12, Apreku 6, Quinto 6, Sollano 6, Pambid 4, Dela Pena 2, Ambohot 0, Balagasay 0, Balanza 0, Bernabe 0, Luib 0, Sario 0, Ular 0.

Quarters: 6-9, 27-26, 46-44, 61-55.