Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

Basketball

Francis Lopez stays focused on UP goals: ‘Crowd can only use their mouths’


Francis Lopez stole the spotlight for the UP Fighting Maroons in their opening game against the Ateneo Blue Eagles at the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Basketball Tournament.

The former Gilas Pilipinas member delivered a standout performance, scoring 14 points – including two spectacular dunks – while also contributing six rebounds and three assists.

His impressive showing came in a high-profile match-up, further solidifying his reputation as one of UP’s key players.

“First of all, I’m really glad that we got the win,” Lopez said after the Fighting Maroons’ win.

“I want to credit the coaches for the second half because we adjusted defensively and got away with it. I’m just really glad that we got this win and hopefully for the upcoming games, we’ll also get the wins.”

Last season, Lopez garnered attention with a memorable “shush” gesture aimed at the Ateneo crowd. He repeated the gesture in this game but emphasized that his focus remains on personal and team improvement rather than public reactions.

“The coaches talked to me about that in my first season: 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 what it takes for the team,” the 21-year-old winger from Las Pinas explained.

UAAP-87-Mens-Basketball-UP-vs-Ateneo-Francis-Lopez Francis Lopez stays focused on UP goals: 'Crowd can only use their mouths' Basketball News UAAP UP  - philippine sports news

(C) Angelo Rosales/UAAP Season 87 Media Team

Lopez also reaffirmed his commitment to the Fighting Maroons.

“For the Ateneo fans, the reason why I told the media last season that I don’t regret going to UP – 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.”

With the Fighting Maroons aiming to recapture the championship after finishing as runners-up for two consecutive seasons, Lopez’s consistent contributions are crucial.

#ReadMore  Theo Jico Libarnes ensures revenge for FEU seniors in dramatic match against UP

He made a strong start to Season 87 and looks poised to continue making an impact.

According to team captain JD Cagulangan, effective communication within the team is key to achieving their goals.

“Hindi namin first time ni Francis na magsama sa isang school eh, kasi nagsama kami sa LSGH,” said Cagulangan.

“Si Francis that time, 15-years-old pa lang. Yung maganda kay Francis ay nirerespeto niya ako and binabalik ko lang sa kanya yung respeto.

“Pagdating naman sa practices, nag-uusap kami. Kahit simpleng message, nag-uusap pa rin naman kami. Yung mga ganitong connection-connection, hindi na bago sa amin ni Francis. Gusto niya manalo, gusto ko manalo, gusto ng team manalo. Lahat kami gusto manalo,” he added.

Written By

Lorenzo's a frustrated author who knows a thing or two about Football and Basketball. Went all green from Ortigas to Taft. Supports Liverpool FC, FC Bayern Munich and the Alaska Aces


You May Also Like

Badminton

Susmita Ramos once sat inside the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall, watching University of the Philippines secure the UAAP Season 79 Women’s Badminton title. The...

Football

In the second round last season, University of the Philippines made its run toward the UAAP Men’s Football Final Four after missing the bus...

Badminton

The latter half of 2023 and early 2024 were challenging times for Mark Velasco in his badminton career. Injuries and self-doubt plagued the Smash...

ADMU

Far Eastern University-Diliman edged closer to a championship sweep, remaining undefeated at the close of Round 6 in the UAAP Season 87 High School...

ADMU

University of Santo Tomas secured its fourth consecutive victory, moving two games ahead in the standings with a 4-0 sweep over Ateneo de Manila...

AdU

Far Eastern University subdued struggling Adamson University with a decisive 6-0 victory to kick off the second round of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate...

Basketball

After witnessing the National University Bulldogs stun the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons 67-47 on Sunday afternoon, the NU Lady Bulldogs ensured they...

Basketball

Camille Clarin nailed a clutch three-pointer with 45.2 seconds left, sealing National University’s come-from-behind 64-59 victory over University of the Philippines and pushing the...

Advertisement