Baloria, Akhuetie power Altas to Fr. Martin title

MANILA, Philippines – Juneric Baloria and Nigerian big man Akhuetie Bright showed the way with 17 points apiece as the University of Perpetual Help Altas held off the University of Santo Tomas Tigers, 65-56, Thursday to clinch the men’s basketball crown of the 20th Fr. Martin Summer Cup basketball tournament.

The Altas earned their first crown following two previous attempts, and it came after the Adamson University Baby Falcons settle for the junior division honors at the Trinity University of Asia gymnasium in Quezon City.

Harold Arboleda, who had 11 points, finally put the Altas in front after his triple in the last 9:18 connected and shattered a 46-all deadlock.

This unleashed an 8-0 run that the Altas built through Joel Jolangcob’s layup off Arboleda’s assist, two charities from Bright and Baloria’s drive.

Miguel Sasuman and Gerard Fernandez hit 16 and 13 points for the Baby Falcons, who won over the San Beda Red Cubs, 80-71, in the fight for the secondary boys honors.

The injury-struck Growling Tigers, who missed two key players, fell behind in the remaining time as Bright succeeded in dominating the boards.

Earl Thompson’s drive and Bright’s three-point play pushed the Altas further ahead, 61-50, in the final 5:30.

“Nung nagka-kumpiyansa ang player nung lumaki ang lamang, nag-relax. Pero this time, naging composed ang mga players sa huli at gumana rin ang depensa,” said Altas coach Lester del Rosario.

Last year, the Altas lost the crown to the National University Bulldogs, and then bowed to the College of the St. Benilde Blazers in the fight for the Collegiate Open honors.

The Altas squandered a 39-28 halftime lead, after the Tigers came up with an 16-7 blast off Kareem Abdul’s charities and Louie Vigil’s repeated attack inside the paint.

Kent Lao’s two charities before time expired in the third period, allowed UST to threaten, 44-46.

Abdul led the Growling Tigers with 17 points, while Aljon Mariano had 9, Paolo Pe and Vigil had seven each.