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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Francis Lopez cherishes first UAAP title with UP

Francis Lopez cherishes first UAAP title with UP

Published Dec 18, 2024 07:06 am

At A Glance

  • Rising star Francis Lopez had costly misses and turnovers in Game 2 but that did not stop him from doing his best as he hit big shots down the stretch in the title-clinching match that earned the University of the Philippines its fourth UAAP men's basketball crown.

Rising star Francis Lopez had costly misses and turnovers in Game 2 but that did not stop him from doing his best as he hit big shots down the stretch in the title-clinching match that earned the University of the Philippines its fourth UAAP men's basketball crown.

UAAP87 MBB - Francis Lopez-0050.jpg
Rising star Francis Lopez proves himself for UP in UAAP Season 87 finals win over La Salle. (UAAP Media)

The 21-year-old Perez delivered when it mattered the most as he drilled a dagger triple at the top of the key – off Harold Alarcon’s pass – with 1 minute and 12 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to give the Maroons a 64-60 lead over the DLSU Green Archers.

It was a separation that the Maroons needed as they eventually won, 66-62.

In that exact moment, the high-flying ace has nothing but full confidence that he will drain it.

“As soon as he passed me the ball, I was like, I'm going to shoot this, I'm going to shoot this, and you know, it went in,” said Lopez. “You know, it was really a surreal moment.” 

“But you know, the game wasn't over, so I got to keep my composure, and you know, I've got buzzer, man. Everything sinked in, man, all the hard work, man, all the support, especially from the UP community,” he added. 

The UAAP Season 86 Rookie of the Year winner proved he has steely nerves after squandering multiple opportunities in Game 2.

Thanks to his teammates’ trust, the Fil-Angolan cager regained his morale as he realized that the whole UP squad was ready to back him up.

“They still trusted me, you know. After that loss, you know, we still were able to talk to one another, and you know, it was just really a surreal moment, man,” Lopez continued.

“They keep on believing in me, you know, and I'm just really happy that they're still there for me, even though we got that loss,” he added. “We were able to conquer it this time, so yep, I'm really happy.”

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