BRIGHT Akhuetie took over in the clutch to lift Perpetual Help to a 71-68 win over Lyceum on Friday in the NCAA Season 92 seniors basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
Akhuetie converted crucial baskets late in the game, scoring 10 of his 13 points in the final quarter, while his Lyceum counterpart Mike Nzeusseu seemingly ran out of steam.
The win allowed the Altas to share second place with Mapua and Letran with a 5-2 card while ending the Pirates’ three-game winning streak.
Arellano could join the logjam if the Chiefs beat College of Saint Benilde in the third game of the day.
Gab Dagangon also had an impressive game, scoring 16 points, hauling 12 rebounds, and blocking two shots in the Altas victory.
“Parang kanina championship game na ‘yun, lahat gusto manalo,” said Perpetual Help coach Jimwell Gican. “Talagang ‘yung puso nandoon. Gusto ko ibigay ‘yung credit sa players kasi hindi sila gumive up sa pressure ng opponent."
Akhuetie looked determined in his match-up against Nzeusseu as he scored the last eight points of the Altas, including a three-point play with 46 seconds left in the game that swelled Perpetual Help’s lead, 70-63.
After posting 20-20 numbers in two games, Nzeusseu had 18 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks as the Pirates dropped to 3-4.
Shaq Alanes drained a triple that cut the gap to 68-71, but he missed a triple that could have forced overtime.
The scores:
Perpetual Help (71)—Dagangon 16, Akhuetie 13, Eze 10, Pido 10, Coronel 7, Sadiwa 6, Oliveria 4, Singontiko 3, Hao 2, Dizon 0, Yuhico 0.
Lyceum (68)—Nzeusseu 18, Ayaay 15, Alban 8, Baltazar 8, Alanes 7, Caduyac 7, Marata 3, Serafico 2, Malabanan 0, Rubite 0.
Quarters: 19-21, 36-40, 54-55, 71-68.
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