Akhuetie shines bright as West beats East in NCAA All-Star

West team led by Bright Akhuetie. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Bright Akhuetie carried the West All-Stars in dispatching their East counterparts, 111-77, in the NCAA All-Star Game Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Perpetual giant came away with the All-Star MVP after making the most of his 16 minutes on the floor, finishing with 16 points and nine rebounds.

“It’s the All-Star,” said coach Jamike Jarin. “The main thing here is the chance for them to play together and for them to have fun. Di na ulit mangyayari yan eh. It’s for them, for the fans, and the NCAA.”

Gab Dagangon added 14 markers and six boards, while Kent Salado had 10 points, four rebounds, and four assists.

Donald Tankoua also chipped in 10 markers and 10 rebounds, while Jiovani Jalalon got 10 points, six dimes, and five boards for the West, which were represented by players from San Beda, Arellano, Perpetual, JRU, and San Sebastian.

Dagangon made the most of his opportunity as he came off the bench and poured eight in the first quarter to help West take an early 35-17 lead and never looked back.

“We know these players. I just let them play, let them enjoy, and have fun,” said Jarin.

Jorem Morada carried East with 13 points and six rebounds, while Christian Fajarito and Rey Nambatac both wound up with eight in the defeat, for the squad which consisted of stars from Letran, Mapua, EAC, Lyceum, and St. Benilde.

The Scores:

WEST 111 – Akhuetie 16, Dagangon 14, Jalalon 10, Salado 10, Tankoua 10, Calisaan 9, Grospe 7, Pontejos 7, Fabian 7, Potts 6, Sara 5, Teodoro 4, Cadavis 2, Coronel 2, Costelo 2.
EAST 77 – Morada 13, Fajarito 8, Nambatac 8, Haruna 7, Munsayac 6, Onwubere 6, Ayaay 6, Baltazar 6, Domingo 4, Estrella 3, Luib 2, Sollano 2, Biteng 2, Menina 2, Caduyac 2.

Quarters: 35-17, 52-38, 81-55, 111-77.