BRIGHT Akhuetie scored 44 points and grabbed 19 rebounds as University of Perpetual Help System Dalta defeated College of Saint Benilde, 77-69, on Friday in the NCAA Season 91 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Arena.
The dominating performance of the Nigerian reinforcement gave the Altas a 2-0 (win-loss) record and installed them as one of the favorites in the country's oldest collegiate league.
Akhuetie already had 27 points and 12 rebounds in the first half when the Altas opened a 40-28 lead at the half. The Nigerian capped his performance with a few highlight dunks to the delight of the Perpetual Help gallery.
“I just came out to play, that’s just it,” said the 18-year-old Akhuetie, who is playing his first NCAA season after undergoing residency and playing in lower level tournaments.
Akhuetie came just four points short of John Wilson’s record scoring performance when he pumped in 48 points last August 26, 2009 while playing for Jose Rizal University.
“Wala na akong masasabi sa kanya,” said Perpetual Help coach Aric Del Rosario. “Sinabi ko sa kanya, kailangan niyang mag-trabaho. Nag-trabaho naman siya.”
Scottie Thompson also gave a good account of himself after a triple-double effort of 14 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists for the Altas.
JR Ongteco had 23 points for the Blazers, which dropped to 0-2.
The scores:
Perpetual Help (77) — Akhuetie 44, Thompson 14, Coronel 8, Oliveria 4, Ylagan 4, Dagangon 3, Dizon 0, Tamayo 0, Gallardo 0, Sadiwa 0, Elopre 0, Cabiltes 0, Pido 0.
CSB (69) — Ongteco 23, Grey 18, Jonson 9, J.J. Domingo 9, Fajarito 3, Nayve 2, Castor 2, Saavedra 2, San Juan 1, Sta. Maria 0.
Quarterscores: 17-11, 40-28, 55-48, 77-69.
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