Chiefs rule Fr. Martin Cup

MANILA, Philippines – The Arellano University Chiefs stopped Nigerian big man Bright Akhuetie, and put away the defending champion University of Perpetual Help Altas, 75-71, Sunday to wrest the 12th Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup basketball tournament honors.

Jiovani Jalalon and Allen Enriquez struck with 13 points for the Chiefs, who went on to earn their first crown in three tries when action ended at the St. Placid gym of the San Beda College-Manila campus in Mendiola.

The 6’8 Akhuetie delivered 30 points for the Altas, including 17 points in the fourth period as they tried to fight back from a 13-point deficit at the end of the third period.

“We got the title, and after losing to them last year in the finals. They had a rally. But we were able to contain Akhuetie in the last period. And it took us five people to stop him,” said Chiefs head Jerry Codinera.

It was the Chiefs’ first title after avenged their loss to the Altas in the finals last year, and they bowed the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the Collegiate Open last November.

With Akhuetie dominating the boards, the Altas were able to come back from 45-58 deficit, and threaten, 63-66, in the last 4:30.

The Chiefs finally stayed out of range, off a layup from Dioncee Holts, and Jalalon’s two charities, 75-69.

Their trapping defense worked wonders for the Chiefs, who moved ahead, 21-16, in the first period off Reyniel Viloria’s triple.

An 8-0 which Lervin Flores capped with a hook shot saw the Chiefs taking an 11-point spread, 29-18, with 7:53 left in the second canto.

GJ Ylagan and Prince Eze had 10 points apiece for the Altas, who stayed within range off Kieth Pido’s layup, 31-35, at halftime.

A 12-2 run in the start of the third, behind a pair of penetrations from Flores, Kent Salado’s triple and Enriquez’s drive saw the Chiefs erecting a 47-25 halfway in the quarter.

Meanwhile, 41 teams are expected to see action in the men’s and women’s and junior divisions when the 22nd Fr, Martin Cup Summer Tournament gets under way on April 3, Sunday, according to organizer Edmundo “Ato” Badolato.