BRIGHT Akhuetie scored 22 points to lead University of the Philippines to a 78-68 victory over University of Santo Tomas on Sunday to keep its unbeaten slate in the 2017 Republica Cup college division basketball tournament at the Baliwag Star Arena in Bulacan.
Akhuetie had 10 points in the fourth quarter, including a three-point play that started a 10-0 finish for UP to improve its mark to 4-0 win-loss in the tournament commemorating the first Malolos Republic.
Akhuetie skied for a dunk and was fouled by Jeepy Faundo with 1:46 left in the fourth to break a 68-68 deadlock.
Paul Desiderio had 13 points for the Fighting Maroons, who took solo spot after handing UST its first defeat.
Marvin Lee had 15 points, while Faundo added 11 for the Growling Tigers, who occupy second spot with a 3-1 win-loss mark.