University of Perpetual Help’s Bright Akhuetie has been rock solid in every game he has played this NCAA season and he is also a big factor in forging his team’s identity as title contenders. As of press time, the Nigerian foreign athlete is posting norms of 20.58 points, 11.58 rebounds and 2.17 steals per game.
Last Thursday, Akhuetie once again flashed his lethal form as he played a key role in the Altas’ statement win over defending champions San Beda. In that game, Akhuetie had a double-double performance with a game-high 31 points and 11 rebounds.
Akhuetie made true to his promise that San Beda is beatable [READ: Akhuetie believes San Beda is beatable]. Aside from avenging their first round loss against the defending champions, Akhuetie also indicated that the win gave them a psychological edge since they’ve finally proven that they have the ability to nab a win against this season’s team-to-beat.
“[It’s big because] I feel, when we lose this game, we’ll probably meet them later on the playoffs. [But with this win], this will give us the feeling that we can beat them,” Akhuetie told Tiebreaker Times. “If we make our team do this [all the time], we know we can step up when the games matter.”
During the game, Akhuetie also spearheaded a massive fourth quarter Perpetual run that saw multiple lead changes and an exchange of clutch shots from both teams. In capping off his team’s run, Akhuetie dunked all over San Beda’s Ola Adeogun which could probably be the play of the year.
“It just happens, its basketball. When you get fired up, you do things like that,” he added.
Now, with the NCAA Season nearing playoff time, Akhuetie expects his team to take it up a notch since no opposing team will easily let them win. If they do things right, they have a big chance to reach the championship round.
“Personally, I expect [to do my best and win a title] but I’m not that kind of person,” he ended. “We want to get it as a team. Team comes first before anything else.”
Perpetual is currently sporting a 9-4 card at the standings. Their next game will be against the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde Blazers this coming September 18, 12 noon, at the Filoil Flying V Arena.
