All eyes on Nigerian player as Altas shoot for third win

Games Today (The Arena, San Juan) 10 a.m. – EAC-ICA vs CSB-LSGH (Jrs) 12 noon – Perpetual vs Mapua (Jrs) 2 p.m. – EAC vs St. Benilde (Srs) 4 p.m. – Perpetual vs Mapua (Srs)

Is rookie center Bright Akhuetie for real?

That will be known today as the 6-foot-8 Nigerian hopes to lead University of Perpetual Help Altas to a third straight win when they collide against the Mapua Cardinals in the NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

Quick and strong, Akhuetie made himself an instant celebrity by posting 44 points and 19 rebounds in the team’s 77-69 victory over the College of St. Benilde Blazers last Friday.

It was the most dominant performance by a foreign player since the league opened its door to foreigners almost a decade ago.

Blessed with seemingly bottomless energy, the 18-year-old Akhuetie did virtually everything on the court – attacking with his back to the basket, throwing down rim-rattling slam dunks, rebounding, blocking shots and hitting baskets from afar.

Akhuetie, however, will have his hands full against Mapua’s defensive specialist in Allwell Oraeme.

Game time is at 4 p.m. with the Altas targeting the solo leadership.

In the first game it will be the battle between two winless teams as Emilio Aguinaldo College (0-1) takes on College of St. Benilde (0-2) at 2 p.m.

With the Cardinals also coming off impressive 88-86 win over the San Sebastian Stags, Perpetual Coach Aric del Rosario is expecting an exciting finish.

Del Rosario said he’s not pressuring Akhuetie to deliver another monster game but the league’s oldest coach would be satisfied if his do-it-all center plays passionately on the defensive end.

“Wala na talaga akong masasabi sa kanya. Wala siyang kapalit pero tinrabaho pa rin niya,” del Rosario stated.

The 6-foot-9 Oraeme is not that prolific offensively, but he’s good on the defensive end.