UAAP: Chicco Briones moves on from missed equalizer vs La Salle

Chicco Briones shoots a potential game-winning three for the UP Fighting Maroons in a game againt La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Chicco Briones logged just 10 seconds of playing time for the University of the Philippines in its UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball game against La Salle.

But those were the 10 most important seconds of the night, and he took the biggest shot of the game.

READ: UAAP: La Salle gains ‘character-building’ win over UP

In a “go big or go home” moment, Briones’ potential game-tying attempt didn’t fall, sending the Fighting Maroons home with a 72-69 loss to the Green Archers at Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.

“It won’t bother me,” Briones told the Inquirer. “It’ll serve as a lesson and an encouragement for me to not miss a shot anymore after the game. It kind of affected me a little bit, but it’ll also serve as fuel.”

Briones, who sat on the bench for most of the contest, was subbed in by coach Goldwin Monteverde in the final seconds with UP down by three and time running out.

Against all odds, the seldom-used forward took the shot that could have sent the game into overtime—but missed, ending UP’s four-game win streak.

Before anyone could question his shot selection, Briones clarified that the play wasn’t designed for him.

“To be really honest, I don’t think that was my play,” he said.

“I think it was for Terrence (Fortea), Harold (Alarcon), the other wings or Noy (Remogat) but the situation happened. It didn’t go to the right person for the right situation because I missed.”