So far, the arrival of Bright Akhuetie has paid massive dividends for the University of the Philippines.
Touted as a dominant force from his days with Perpetual in the NCAA, the Nigerian anchor’s presence almost certainly assured the Fighting Maroons of a much-needed game changer on both ends of the floor in Season 81.
One thing’s left on their to-do list, though, and that’s to end a 21-year Final Four drought. UP is 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’ll move on 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 Maroons as they finished with a flurry to kick UST out of contention, 83-69.
His outstanding performance rightfully earned him the Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Sports Press Corps UAAP Player of the Week award.
This citation may seem like it’s been long overdue for Akhuetie, whose stellar play throughout the season has not gone unnoticed.
