UP Combating Maroons’ Francis Lopez in Recreation 2 of the UAAP Season 87 males’s basketball Finals in opposition to La Salle Inexperienced Archers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
MANILA, Philippines — Francis Lopez supplied no excuse for his expensive missed free throws and turnovers that allowed La Salle to pull College of the Philippines to a different Finals rubber match within the UAAP Season 87 males’s basketball match.
After Mike Phillips put La Salle forward with a 76-75 lead with a minute remaining, Lopez missed 4 straight free throws that might have given UP again the essential benefit.
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HIGHLIGHTS: UAAP Season 87 basketball Finals Recreation 2 – La Salle vs UP
When Phillips missed a pair of free throws, Lopez received the rebound however his go to JD Cagulangan went out of bounds with 15 seconds remaining.
“I imagine we didn’t have any timeouts on the finish. We have been simply in search of the open man. I’ve turnovers, and you realize, we simply couldn’t get it to Maimai (Cagulangan), that’s about it,” Lopez advised reporters after UP’s 76-75 loss.
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UP Combating Maroons’ Francis Lopez in Recreation 2 of the UAAP Season 87 males’s basketball Finals in opposition to La Salle Inexperienced Archers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
UP had one other likelihood when two-time MVP Kevin Quiambao missed two free throws. Lopez grabbed the board and virtually misplaced it earlier than handing it to Gerry Abadiano, who missed a possible game-winning leap shot.
Lopez, who had 16 factors, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks, and two steals, mentioned there was no excuse for his errors however he has no time to cry over spilled milk with Recreation 3 set for Sunday.
READ: UAAP Finals: After Recreation 1 win, UP works to forestall historical past from repeating itself
“It’s no excuse. I simply missed it, you realize. Can do nothing about it, transfer on. You already know, we nonetheless have a Recreation 3, we nonetheless have one other alternative. We’re gonna be centered on that one,” he mentioned. “It’s not over. We nonetheless have a recreation 3. Extra days to arrange for recreation 3, it’s a do or die for each groups.”
UP coach Goldwin Monteverde mentioned they’ve at all times trusted Lopez and can proceed to belief him, chalking up the the missed free throws and photographs as all a part of the sport.
“If it boils right down to the final feed…we’ll nonetheless go to him. We’ve big belief on him. Every member will attempt to execute or make photographs, however then I assured it thatour belief will at all times be there,” mentioned Monteverde.
“As I mentioned, we did our greatest to attempt to execute what we wished offensively. That’s basketball—it’s both a make or a miss,” he added. “What’s necessary now’s how we bounce again. We’ll discuss what must be executed and ensure we’re prepared for the following recreation.”
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Enjoying their fourth Recreation 3, UP hopes to recover from the hump on Sunday.