Akhuetie solid in return from school-imposed ban, puts past behind

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Consider it a new beginning for Bright Akhuetie.

Returning from a school-imposed one-game suspension, the Nigerian big man signaled his comeback in a big way with a double-double of 15 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks in 27 minutes in Perpetual’s 87-83 victory over San Beda on Friday.

“We actually came out strong and we wanted it,” said Akhuetie after the Altas extended their campaign in the NCAA Season 92 Final Four.

READ: Perpetual stuns San Beda to force decider for Finals berth

Though it had been a chaotic few weeks for Perpetual, the team’s dream of winning the championship allowed differing parties to settle their differences.

Akhuetie, who reportedly had a spat with assistant coach Nosa Omorogbe last week, shared that everything is now fine with the team.

“It’s okay. We’re good. We’re cool. We’re okay. It’s all water under the bridge now,” he said.

READ: Altas prepared to play sans suspended Akhuetie in Final 4

Coach Jimwell Gican also affirmed Akhuetie’s sentiments, saying, “It’s just the competitiveness of the team showing. Ok naman so far.”

Making his first playoff appearance, Akhuetie said that he’s aching to deliver the goods for Perpetual as it eyes to upset San Beda come Game 2 on Tuesday.

“We’ll bring the same spirit but probably better,” he said. “I want to win, not just me, but the whole team. We’ll come back better.”