Francis Lopez and the UP Fighting Maroons during a UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball game against La Salle Green Archers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines —After the heated UP-La Salle game that capped off the first round of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament, things have gotten “personal” as far as Francis Lopez is concerned.
After UP saw its six-game unbeaten run snapped by La Salle, 68-56, in a match marred with an alleged spitting controversy after a heated exchange between benches last Sunday, Lopez took to Instagram to preach about humility.
While he did not name names, Lopez said that “that one action to one of our players made it personal.”
READ: UAAP verdict soon over alleged spit incident between Topex, UP guard
It was alleged that UP guard Reyland Torres had been spat on by La Salle coach Topex Robinson during the commotion between both teams. Inquirer sources bared that the two are set to be summoned by a subcommittee of the UAAP board of managing directors in coordination with the commissioner’s office.
The verdict will be released in the coming days after getting the side of both parties through a meeting and written statement.
Lopez also said in his post that the Fighting Maroons can accept defeat and know that basketball is a physical game.
READ: UAAP: La Salle hands UP its first loss to claim No. 1 spot
“One big game had a lot of things happen, but it was a disaster. If you ever make it to the highest level of your life, make sure to humble yourself and play it right. Everyone should always look for those who are consistently there when you’re at your lowest, as those are the ones who want to see you succeed,” wrote Lopez, who was limited to eight points and seven rebounds and ended up a minus 14 in almost 20 minutes of action.
“Our team accepts defeat and all of our coaches never told us to hurt anybody… but basketball is a physical game, Contact sport, if you can’t play through it then go cry to your mommy and daddy,” he added.
“Fix the character. We will see you soon. No promises on anything but we will for sure see you soon,” said last year’s Rookie of the Year.