MANILA, Philippines - Bright Akhuetie took charge in overtime as Perpetual Help subdued Jose Rizal University, 86-83, while Arellano University shocked San Beda, 88-84, in a pair of thrilling matches marking the end of the first round elims of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.
In a match that was close throughout, the Altas leaned on Akhuetie, who, after failing to deliver the win in regulation, imposed his will and drilled in 10 of his game-high 31 points in the extra period to carry the Las Piñas-based squad to joint second with the Lions at 7-2.
Scottie Thompson also put in another superb all-around game of 13 points, 13 rebounds and 17 assists, his third triple-double effort of the season.
“Scottie and Bright made the plays that helped us big,” said Perpetual Help coach Aric del Rosario in Filipino referring to his prized tandem.
JRU’s Dave Sanchez hit a triple to force overtime at 73 as Akhuetie missed a potential game-winner at the buzzer.
Thompson actually had the chance to finish off the Bombers in regulation but settled for a split off the line for a 73-70 Perpetual lead.
Later in the day, Jio Jalalon exploded with 22 points while Dioncee Holts shot 21 markers as the Chiefs exacted revenge over the Lions, who swept the former in last year’s finals en route a five-peat feat.
“I’m happy we got back at them,” said Jalalon, who also finished with eight assists, six rebounds and four steals for the Chiefs who seized solo fourth before the All-Star break with a 6-3 card.
Cameroonian Donald Tankoua came off the bench to fire 20 points and hauled down 12 rebounds as starters Ola Adeogun and Arthur dela Cruz struggled with 10 and 13 points, respectively, for the Lions.
Adeogun had a solid 10-point and eight-rebound performance in the first half but lost his cool before the break and shattered the glass door of their locker room.
Tey Teodoro fired 28 points while Paolo Pontejos and Sanchez chipped in 14 and 11 markers, respectively, for the Bombers, who just couldn’t find a way to neutralize Thompson and Akhuetie at endgame.
The Bombers fell to 5-4.
Throughout the nip-and-tuck contest, Thompson endured an ankle injury he sustained against Emilio Aguinaldo but asked to be replaced late in OT due to back spasms.