John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

The University of the Philippines and the De La Salle University battle in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball finals in Pasay City on December 11, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

UAAP 87 Men's Basketball Finals Game 2

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil" style="width:900px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173392573027220241211-uaap87-up-dlsu-MQD_6807-MD.jpg" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">UP&#x27;s Francis Lopez in action. <em>Photo from Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span>MANILA, Philippines – Francis Lopez&#x27;s missed free throws in the endgame against the De La Salle Green Archers proved pivotal for the UP Fighting Maroons.</div><p>It could have altered the result—perhaps, the outcome would have been tilted in favor of the State U.</p><p>The Fighting Maroons could not minimize those mistakes—turnovers and missed field goals included—as they succumbed in Game 2 to the rallying Archers, 75-76, on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.</p><div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2024/12/11/joshua-garcia-enjoys-uaap-action-for-the-first-time-the-best-solid-2026"><strong>READ: UAAP Finals: La Salle stays alive with emotional comeback, sets up another do-or-die vs. UP<br/></strong></a></div><p>Lopez, reflecting on what happened during his failed trips on the charity line, said that he&#x27;s not putting up any excuses.</p><p>He was zero-and-four during that stretch, in a battle which they lost only by one point.</p><p>&quot;It&#x27;s no excuse. I just missed it, you know. Can&#x27;t do nothing about it but move on,&quot; said Lopez.</p><div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2024/12/11/joshua-garcia-enjoys-uaap-action-for-the-first-time-the-best-solid-2026"><strong>READ: Joshua Garcia enjoys UAAP action for the first time: &#x27;The best, solid&#x27;<br/></strong></a></div><p>During that crucial moments, Lopez bared they struggled to find the open man to shoot.</p><p>&quot;I believe we didn&#x27;t have any timeouts at the end. We were just looking for the open man. I had turnovers, and you know, we just couldn&#x27;t get it to Mai mai [JD Cagulangan], that&#x27;s about it.&quot;</p><p>Moving forward will be number one on their checklist as the State U players shift their focus to the all-or-nothing match on Sunday.</p><p>Luckily for them, the Fighting Maroons still have one last chance to overturn their fate and reclaim that men&#x27;s basketball title.</p><p>&quot;You know, we still have a Game 3, we still have another opportunity. We&#x27;re gonna be focused on that one,&quot; Lopez said.</p><p>&quot;More days to prepare, it&#x27;s a do or die for both teams,&quot; he also said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CHHmgppF3ME??si=rGVe6W8Ms_BgpEWO&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Francis Lopez's missed free throws in the endgame against the De La Salle Green Archers proved pivotal for the UP Fighting Maroons.</p>

Francis Lopez's missed free throws in the endgame against the De La Salle Green Archers proved pivotal for the UP Fighting Maroons.

UP's Francis Lopez on missed free throws in endgame vs La Salle: 'No excuse'

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UP's Francis Lopez on missed free throws in endgame vs La Salle: 'No excuse'

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

Published December 11, 2024 10:20 PM PHT

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Updated December 12, 2024 12:15 AM PHT

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UAAP Season 87

University of the Philippines

Francis Lopez

UAAP Finals

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