Francis Escandor has cemented his standing as one of the most unexpected and unheralded sports heroes in the history of De La Salle University.
His heroics in Game Two played a big role in helping the Green Archers outlast the UP Fighting Maroons paved the way for the decider and eventually the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball title.
Escandor, a proud son of Davao, may have only produced four points, one rebound, and one steal in La Salle’s 73-69 Game Three victory over UP but his 14-point outburst in Game Two as well as his tenacity on defense last Wednesday have made a worthy winner of that gold medal.
“Oh my God bro, I don’t know. To be honest, this is so surreal bro.
“This is six years in the making. I don’t know. I’m at a loss for words man. I’m just so, so happy,” said the De La Salle Zobel alumnus.
The 24-year-old sniper’s importance to the team was demonstrated in the game’s final seconds as coach Topex Robinson entrusted him to be on the floor with seven seconds left in the game to protect the Green Archers’ precarious lead.
Having Escandor as one of the last guys on the floor would have been unheard of before but at that moment, no one could question why he was put there to go for the kill.
“Honestly, I was just focusing on defense right now. I’m so glad Coach Topex gave me the confidence just to stay on the court and he knows na I’ll make the right decisions. From then on, I’m just so grateful that we won. I’m just gonna do everything I can besides scoring points just to win the game,” he said.
“Basically, we just needed to get the ball inbounded and then just run out the clock from there. That feeling right there, grabe. Di ko na alam. Di na ako maka-focus. All I was thinking about was the moment. It was so surreal.”
Indeed, Escandor is one of the unlikeliest heroes who have stepped up for the Green Archers right when they needed it most.
Lasallians will remember him forever for his key contributions to their school’s 10th UAAP championship and the guy himself cannot help but feel exuberant.
“They don’t know what it takes man. It’s been a long, long six years in the making. People don’t know that. There were a lot of doubters and haters,” he reflected.
“Against all odds, I’m here now and we’re champions. I’m just so, so thankful for that.”
