Akhuetie struggled against fatigue, defense, says Gican

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Perpetual coach Jimwell Gican believes fatigue got the better of Bright Akhuetie in the Altas’ 78-63 season-ending defeat to San Beda on Tuesday.

“Yung fatigue factor, kalaban na rin namin kanina. Sa hirap ba naman ng ginawa namin nung first game. Pag pagod ang umatake, kahit sinong magaling, mayayari,” he said.

Gican also said that San Beda’s defensive gameplan worked to a tee, with Ben Adamos taking responsibility in shutting down Akhuetie.

The Nigerian big man was limited to just eight points and 10 rebounds in 22 minutes on the floor, but only played a portion of the fourth quarter.

“Talagang naghanda rin ang San Beda para sa kanya at di sya masyado nakapag-adjust,” he said. “Kita nyo naman, talagang bakbakan silang dalawa sa ilalim. Umepekto na rin yung pagod kay Bright bigla.”

The first-year, mentor, though, hopes to build on this humbling experience as he looks forward to the 19-year-old Akhuetie taking the go-to-guy role in Perpetual.

“Isa yun sa mga natutunan namin ng coaching staff dito sa playoffs. Di talaga kami sanay maglaro sa playoffs kaya sana next year, matuto kami dito at makuha na namin ang championship,” he said.