Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Chooks-to-Go POW Bright Akhuetie looks to end UP’s 21-year Final Four drought


So far, the arrival of Bright Akhuetie has paid massive dividends for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

Touted as a dominant force from his days with the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in the NCAA, the Nigerian student-cager’s presence has assured the Fighting Maroons of a much-needed game changer on both ends of the floor in the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Basketball Tournament.

One thing is left on their to-do list, though, and that’s to end a 21-year Final Four drought. UP are still engaged in a dogfight with two other teams for a semifinals seat, and on Saturday, the six-foot-eight big man took it upon himself to make sure that they would move to the cusp of reaching that goal.

A monster 25-point, 18-rebound double-double by this year’s frontrunner for the Most Valuable Player award seemed to do the trick for the Fighting Maroons as they finished with a flurry to kick the University of Santo Tomas out of contention, 83-69.

Akhuetie – who had already managed 12 points and 12 rebounds against an undersized Growling Tigers lineup after three quarters – doubled his scoring tally in the payoff period by pouring in 13 points, just two shy of UST’s output as a team during that stretch.

His outstanding performance has rightfully earned him the Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Sports Press Corps UAAP Player of the Week award.

This citation may seem long overdue for Akhuetie, whose stellar play throughout the season has not gone unnoticed. In 13 games, he’s put up prolific averages of 19.1 points, 14.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks, while shooting a blistering 60.7 percent from the field.

#ReadMore  Kobe Paras shares depression during first US foray

He bested Far Eastern University Tamaraws Arvin Tolentino and Kenneth Tuffin; National University Bulldog John Lloyd Clemente; Ateneo Blue Eagle Thirdy Ravena; and Adamson Soaring Falcon Sean Manganti to nab the weekly feat given by online and print writers covering the beat.

Written By


You May Also Like

AdU

De La Salle University completed a clean sweep of the elimination round, while defending UAAP champion University of the Philippines wrapped up with back-to-back...

Basketball

Despite being a champion with the University of the Philippines, Dikachi Ududo has not forgotten his roots. The 21-year-old recently sent sporting gear and...

Basketball

University of the Philippines’ “residency boys” are staying busy during their sit-out year. Veejay Pre, James Payosing, Rainer Maga, and Russell Ogana are reinforcing...

Basketball

The UAAP’s freshman class of 2025 is shaping up to be a promising one, headlined by five towering big men who could become the...

Basketball

After a long and difficult decision-making process, Migs Palanca has finally chosen where he will take the next step in his basketball journey. And...

Basketball

University of the Philippines is going all-out starting UAAP Season 88, announcing a three-year partnership with global sportswear brand PUMA during an event held...

Basketball

There are certain athletes whose names are forever linked together. Over the past decade, we’ve seen the likes of Robert Bolick and CJ Perez;...

Basketball

Chicco Briones celebrated his 23rd birthday in style, exploding for 21 points to lead University of the Philippines past Far Eastern University, 75–65, and...

Advertisement