UP’s Francis Lopez throws down a dunk in the fourth quarter against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — After a quiet opening half, Francis Lopez capped his stellar second-half showing with a pair of thunderous dunks down the stretch that helped University of the Philippines put away Ateneo for good in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament Saturday night.
Lopez didn’t have a field goal in the first two quarters but found his groove when it mattered most to finish with 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists in the Fighting Maroons’ 77-61 win over the Blue Eagles before 12,932 fans at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Coach Goldwin told us the game’s not over then don’t stop playing so you know I think for the second half, I just adjusted and tried to do everything I could for the team. And one of my strengths was fastbreak,” said Lopez, who scored all of his seven points in the first half at the free throw line. “I’m glad that we adjusted in the second half. Just don’t stop until the game is over I think that was the mindset of my team.”
READ: UAAP: UP dominates Ateneo in Season 87 opener
Francis Lopez on blocking out the noise.
JD on his connection with Lopez. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/UkTDWRngnc
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 7, 2024
When Ateneo threatened and cut the deficit to eight midway through the fourth quarter, Lopez joined hands with graduating guard JD Cagulangan to restore order for UP.
It was in that critical stretch when Lopez soared for two spectacular slams. After his second dunk, the former Ateneo High School star hushed the Blue Eagle crowd as the Fighting Maroons pulled way to victory.
Francis Lopez slam!
UP holds a 69-54 cushion with 4:03 left.#UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/4XsHxnogy0
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 7, 2024
Already in his second year with UP, Lopez remains on the receiving end of boos from Ateneo supporters. The high-leaping forward, however, makes sure to keep his focus on the game.
“The coaches talked to me about that in my first season just focus on your game and don’t worry about the crowd because what are they gonna do? They’re just gonna use their mouths. I’m just really focused on doing whatever it takes for the team,” said Lopez.
READ: UAAP: Cagulangan tells UP fans to stop hate toward Jared Bahay
“For the Ateneo fans, the reason why I told the media last season that I don’t regret going to UP [and] I’m still gonna stick with that forever. I’m just really glad that I’m here with these coaches and that we’re a team.”
Lopez, who was hailed Rookie of the Year last season, credited the UP coaching staff for helping him get into his groove in the second half.
“I’m really glad that we got the win. I would say, I want to credit the coaches for the second half because we adjusted defensively and we got away with it. I’m just really glad that we got this win. And hopefully, for the upcoming games, we will also get the wins,” Lopez said.
UP takes on University of the East next on Saturday at Araneta Coliseum.