Perpetual downs Benilde behind Akhuetie’s monster performance

MANILA, Philippines – Bright Akhuetie and the rest of the Perpetual Altas cruised into another victory by dominating the Saint Benilde Green Blazers, 77-69, on Friday, July 3 at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Akhuetie, the 6-foot-8 Nigerian reinforcement of the Aric Del Rosario-mentored brigade, lifted Perpetual with a monstrous performance, tallying a team-high 44 points with 19 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.

“I don’t mind the high points that I get as long as I contribute it to my team and my teammates,” he said in his post-game.

Although Akhuetie already had 27 points in the first half, veteran shooting guard Earl Thompson shrugged off his early four-point output and delivered ten markers with 12 boards, ten dimes, three steals and one block.

With the victory over the Green Blazers, Perpetual is now tied with the San Beda Red Lions on top of the team standings.

Perpetual is aiming for solo lead as the maroon-and-yellow troop is scheduled to face the Mapua Cardinals on Tuesday, July 7.

“It will be tough match-up for Bright because Mapua has a good import in Allwell Oraeme,” Del Rosario stated.

The Josan Nimes-led Mapua is fresh from a thrilling encounter versus the San Sebastian Golden Stags, rallying in the fourth quarter to register their first win.

On Saint Benilde’s side, Jeffrey Ongtengco shepherded the green shirts in the game with 23 points and six rebounds.

Aside from Ongtengco, court general Jonathan Grey supplied with 18 points to Saint Benilde, but it was not enough to put the Blazers on the winning track.

– Rappler.com