La Salle coach Topex Robinson in Game 2 Game 2 of UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament Finals against UP FIghting Maroons. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — La Salle coach Topex Robinson heaved a big sigh of relief the Green Archers overcame missed crucial free throws to survive with cardiac win over University of the Philippines and take the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals to a deciding Game 3.
In front of a pressure-packed 17,112 fans, Phillip missed crucial free throws with 19.6 seconds left after giving La Salle a 76-75 lead in the final minute.
The Green Archers got a lucky break when Fighting Maroons star Francis Lopez grabbed the rebound off Phillip’ but committed a costly passing turnover.
READ: UAAP Finals: La Salle beats UP in tense finish to force Game 3
Two-time UAAP MVP Quiambao, who led the Green Archers’ fourth-quarter comeback, was then fouled but uncharacteristically went 0-of-2 from the line with 12.1 ticks remaining giving UP the opportunity to steal the win.
But Gerry Abadiano missed the potential game-winner for UP and allowed La Salle another shot at a title in a do-or-die Game 3 on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Kevin Quiambao prepares to take freethrows during the final seconds of Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals between La Salle Green Archers and UP Fighting Maroons. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“It’s every coach’s dream or nightmare. That last shot by Gerry could’ve come in and just finish everything for us. Those threes by Maimai (Cagulangan), I was there when he took the three back in Season 84. It’s just going through my head,” Robinson said.
“Sabi ko nga, Lord, bibigay mo sa amin to, bigay mo sa amin. Pag hindi, okay na ako kasi we fought till that final possession. But, you know, basketball gods have been good to us. These guys, they just don’t give up. I think that’s the win for us. The big win for us is we just stuck together.”
READ: UAAP Finals: Kevin Quiambao emotional as La Salle gets another shot
Last year’s champion coach said he has the same anxious feeling heading to Game 3, but he knows it’s different scenario this time with a new roster led by Quiambao and Phillips.
“I think the feeling is the same. It’s just a different scenario. Sabi ko nga, ang sa akin na lang,Jst give us another experience. Something that we could learn from and experience as a young team also with the rest of the guys. It was given to us. So, sa amin na ngayon yung kung paano gagawin yung opportunity na binigay sa amin,” he said.
Expect Robinson and his wards to leave everything on the floor in another winner-take-all game against the Fighting Maroons.
“I’m sure this is gonna be all out. Whoever wanted it more, we will come out as champions. We’re just happy that we’re given this excellent opportunity. For sure we’re gonna work everything, we’re gonna compete and then, given the chance, whatever happens, we’re just gonna keep on pushing,” he said.