FRANCIS Lopez offered no excuse for his endgame mistakes which cost the University of the Philippines the 76-75 Game Two on Wednesday.
READ: KQ wills La Salle past UP in Game 2 as UAAP finals goes to Game 3
To him, it’s plain and simple: he just missed his free throws.
“It’s no excuse. I just missed it,” he said, looking back at the four free throws he bungled in the final minute, all of which could have tied or even given his side the lead in what almost was the clincher in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball finals.
“I can’t do nothing about it but move on.”
Lopez’ late blunders wasted a golden chance for the Fighting Maroons to reclaim the crown and spoiled his solid 16-point and 7-rebound night.
Aside from the missed charities, he also committed a costly turnover, overshooting his pass to JD Cagulangan in the last 15 seconds. He also bobbled the leather in the dying seconds, leaving just a little time for Gerry Abadiano to heave what could have been the championship-winning jumper at the buzzer.
“I had a turnover and I just couldn’t get it through to my mind,” shared the 6-foot-6 forward. “I believe we (didn't) have any timeouts and in the end. We were just looking for the open man.”
Despite these errors, Lopez remained defiant knowing that all La Salle did was to tie the best-of-three finals and force the decider.
“We still have a Game Three, still have another opportunity, and we’re gonna focus on that,” he said, one that has been relayed in unison inside the State U dugout.
“We’re just talking that it’s not over. More days to prepare for Game Three. It’s a do-or-die game for both teams.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
