The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas seemed to be unstoppable after sending its semifinals series with the San Beda Red Lions to a do-or-die game. During the first game of the series, the Altas played with a fast pace that went hand-in-hand with their grinding defense that limited the league-leaders to just nine first quarter points, eventually taking an 87-83 win.
Bright Akhuetie was one of the instigators in Perpetual’s Game One charge with 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting, 11 rebounds, and three blocks in 27 minutes action.
This was not the case in the do-or-die Game Two last Wednesday.
The Cameroonian student-athlete had a nightmare of a game as he was not able to get the same touches from the first game. The 20 year old big man ended his season with just eight points on a horrid 3-of-9 shooting. He did get 10 boards but was rarely a factor during the last 10 minutes of the game.
“Talagang naghanda rin san beda para sa kanya. So hindi siya masyado nakapag-adjust,” Perpetual head coach Jimwell Gican said after the game.
Moreover, fatigue had also set in for Akhuetie after banging bodies with the plethora of San Beda’s big men including the lanky Ben Adamos according to the mentor.
“Fatigue factor, kalaban na rin namin kanina. Sa hirap ba naman ng ginawa namin nung first game,” he reflected.
“Pag yun ang umatake, kahit sinong magaling, mayayari. Alam naman natin na yung Beda, mas malalim yung bench kesa sa amin, mas malaki ang oras ng players namin sa kanila, yun ang umatake sa amin kanina.”
“Isa rin yun. Kita niyo naman, talagang bakbakan silang dalawa. So umepekto na yung pagod bigla,” he furthered.
Gican though is hoping that his team that will mostly be intact for next season learns from this loss for next season.
“Marami kami natutunan ng coaching staff ngayong playoffs, kasi di talaga sanay naglaro sa playoffs,” he shared.
“Sana next year makuha na namin championship.”
