Thompson brilliance powers Perpetual Help

EARL Scottie Thompson notched a triple double for the second straight game as Perpetual Help rolled past San Sebastian, 84-70, yesterday to regain top spot in the 91st NCAA basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Playing at a level above everyone else, the reigning league MVP produced another noteworthy performance, tallying 21 points, 15 rebounds and 14 assists in just 28 minutes as the Altas stayed unbeaten in four outings.

Thompson downplayed his stellar show, but his brilliance was undeniable as he led by example, finding open teammates and crashing the boards at every opportunity.

“I don’t really mind the stats, what’s important for us is we get wins,” said the Digos-born guard, who is expected to apply for the PBA Draft late this year.

Benefiting from Thompson’s superb playmaking, Nigerian center Bright Akhuetie dished out another big game, finishing with 20 points while grabbing a season high 23 rebounds.

“We are blessed to have two good players like them,” said Perpetual Help coach Aric del Rosario. “They’re easy to coach and they’re always determined to win.”

Later, Jose Rizal U held Emilio Aguinaldo College to a season-low output in a 67-47 pummeling while Arellano U outlasted Mapua, 100-96, in overtime to seize third spot.

The scores:

First Game

PERPETUAL HELP 84—Thompson 21, Akhuetie 20, Dagangon 16, Oliveria 9, Ylagan 6, Eze 6, Dizon 3, Elopre 3, Tamayo 0, Coronel 0, Gallardo 0, Bantayan 0, Sadiwa 0, Cabiltes 0, Pido 0.

SAN SEBASTIAN 70—Costelo 18, Guinto 13, Capobres 13, Ortuoste 9, Calisaan 6, Pretta 3, Vera 3, Sibal 2, Mercado 2, David 1, Bragais 0, Santos 0, Alvarez 0, Fabian 0, Bulanadi 0.

Quarters: 19-14, 40-34, 63-55, 85-70

Second Game

JRU 67—Poutouchi 15, dela Paz 10, Pontejos 9, Cruz 9, Estrella 7, Abdulwahab 5, Teodoro 5, Balagtas 3, Lasquety 2, Grospe 2, Sanchez 0, Aurin 0, dela Virgen 0.

EAC 47—Onwubere 10, Bonleon 9, Munsayac 8, Mejos 6, Adoumabba 5, Hamadou 4, Diego 2, Estacio 2, Morado 1, Pascua 0, Corilla 0, Mallari 0.

Quarters: 17-14, 35-28, 51-35, 67-47

Third Game

ARELLANO 100—Jalalon 26, Holts 25, Nicholls 16, Salado 12, Bangga 5, Gumaru 5, Cadavis 4, Tano 3, Enriquez 2, Meca 2, Capara 0, Ortega 0, De Guzman 0.

MAPUA 96—Oraeme 18, Nimes 17, Isit 13, Biteng 12, Raflores 12, Nieles 9, Stevens 5, Serrano 4, Menina 4, Aguirre 2, Villasenor 0, Que 0, Layug 0.

Quarters: 20-20, 38-36, 66-64, 84-84 (reg), 100-96