Akhuetie lifts Perpetual Help in OT vs JRU

MANILA, Philippines – Nigerian center Bright Akhuetie powered University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in overtime to edge out Jose Rizal University, 86-83, on Tuesday, August 18 at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

Akhuetie registered 10 of his game-high 31 markers in the extra period and spearheaded an 8-3 blitz to tow away the Altas against the Heavy Bombers’ never-say-die stance.

The Aric del Rosario-mentored troop was initially on its way to finish the first round of the NCAA Season 91 men’s senior basketball tourney with a 7-2 record, but JRU’s Dave Sanchez drilled a beyond-the-arc shot with 1.2 seconds left in the fourth quarter to force an overtime.

Sanchez then nailed two baskets to give the Bombers a 78-75 cushion in overtime before Akhuetie bullied his way inside the shaded lane for 6 unanswered points.

Aside from Akhuetie, Earl Scottie Thompson also contributed to Perpetual Help’s hard-earned triumph over JRU as he had his third triple-double of the season, mustering 13 points, 13 rebounds and 17 assists.

Bernabe “Teytey” Teodoro once again pulled off another stellar outing as he amassed 28 points, but he only converted two buckets in overtime to see JRU drop to 5-4.

Scores:

Perpetual Help (86) – Akhuetie 31, Thompson 13, Ylagan 10, Coronel 10, Elopre 8, Eze 7, Dizon 2, Bantayan 2, Cabiltes 2, Oliveria 1, Tamayo 0, Gallardo 9, Sadiwa 0

JRU (83) – Teodoro 28, Pontejos 14, Sanchez 11, Grospe 8, Dela Paz 6, Abdul Wahab 5, Cruz 4, Poutouochi 4, Dela Virgen 3, Astilla 0, Estrella 0

Quarter scores: 18-18, 33-34, 54-53, 73-73, 86-83 – Rappler.com