Francis Lopez offers no excuse for endgame blunders

UP Fighting Maroons’ Francis Lopez in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals against La Salle Green Archers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Francis Lopez offered no excuse for his costly missed free throws and turnovers that allowed La Salle to drag University of the Philippines to another Finals rubber match in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

After Mike Phillips put La Salle ahead with a 76-75 lead with a minute remaining,  Lopez missed four straight free throws that could have given UP back the crucial advantage.

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HIGHLIGHTS: UAAP Season 87 basketball Finals Game 2 – La Salle vs UP

When Phillips missed a pair of free throws, Lopez got the rebound but his pass to JD Cagulangan went out of bounds with 15 seconds remaining.

“I believe we didn’t have any timeouts at the end. We were just looking for the open man. I have turnovers, and you know, we just couldn’t get it to Maimai (Cagulangan), that’s about it,” Lopez told reporters after UP’s 76-75 loss.

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UP Fighting Maroons’ Francis Lopez in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals against La Salle Green Archers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

UP had another chance when two-time MVP Kevin Quiambao missed two free throws. Lopez grabbed the board and almost lost it before handing it to Gerry Abadiano, who missed a potential game-winning jump shot.

Lopez, who had 16 points, nine rebounds, four blocks, and two steals, said there was no excuse for his errors but he has no time to cry over spilled milk with Game 3 set for Sunday. 

READ: UAAP Finals: After Game 1 win, UP works to prevent history from repeating itself

“It’s no excuse. I just missed it, you know. Can do nothing about it, move on. You know, we still have a Game 3, we still have another opportunity. We’re gonna be focused on that one,” he said. “It’s not over. We still have a game 3. More days to prepare for game 3, it’s a do or die for both teams.”

UP coach Goldwin Monteverde said they have always trusted Lopez and will continue to trust him, chalking up the the missed free throws and shots as all part of the game.

“If it boils down to the last feed…we’ll still go to him. We have huge trust on him. Each member will try to execute or make shots, but then I assured it thatour trust will always be there,” said Monteverde.

“As I said, we did our best to try to execute what we wanted offensively. That’s basketball—it’s either a make or a miss,” he added. “What’s important now is how we bounce back. We’ll talk about what needs to be done and make sure we’re ready for the next game.”

Playing their fourth Game 3, UP hopes to get over the hump on Sunday.