Altas look on ‘Bright’ side vs Lions

MANILA, Philippines – Perpetual Help consultant Nosa Omorogbe and star player Bright Akhuetie have patched things up, giving the Altas the boost they need when they go up against the top seeded San Beda Lions in tomorrow’s Final Four of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the MOA Arena in Pasay.

Omorogbe and Akhuetie had a disagreement in practice leading to the latter’s suspension and the subsequent 63-67 loss of the Altas to the Mapua Cardinals last week in their duel for the No. 3 spot.

“Yes, we did settle out differences. Everything is okay now and he will be playing (tomorrow),” said Omorogbe, referring to his fellow Nigerian.

They play the Lions  at 2 p.m.  followed by the Arellano U-Mapua showdown at 4 p.m.

Akhuetie’s return will surely bolster Perpetual Help’s bid against San Beda, which enjoys a twice-to-beat edge in the semis playoff but without Cameroonian banger Donald Tankoua.

Akhuetie is averaging 18.4 points (third best in the league), 12.3 rebounds (fourth) and 1.7 blocks (fifth) and his presence is expected to give the Las Piñas-based school the added inside punch next to 6-11 Prince Eze, another Nigerian.

Omorogbe said he hopes to use their size advantage against the Lions.

“Hopefully we can cash in on it,” he said.

The Lions swept the Altas in their two elimination round games. Perpetual also has never won against San Beda in their last three Final Four meeting from 2012 to 2014.

But the Altas remain upbeat of their chances.

“It can’t rain all the time,” said Omorogbe.