Young Anton Lopez has been a steadying force for Far Eastern University-Diliman, averaging 11.45 points, 5.73 rebounds, 5.55 assists, and 2.18 steals in the first 10 games of the UAAP Season 87 Junior High School Basketball Tournament.
But in Game 50 of the tournament, the 5-foot-9 guard from Ernesto Rondon High School in Quezon City went supernova—against University of the East, no less.
Lopez demonstrated his elite abilities, showing flawless execution and commanding leadership on the floor. Not only did he help shut down UE’s dynamic duo of Mav Mesina and Enrico Bungar, but he also put up an impressive 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting, along with 12 assists and four steals.
Lopez orchestrated a game-changing 17-3 run in the third quarter, scoring eight points that transformed a 43-37 lead into a commanding 60-40 advantage. UE couldn’t recover from the deficit.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Yung goal lang namin as a team is huwag payagan mag-sweep yung UE kasi kailangan talaga namin manalo kasi mawawalan kami ng advantage e. Nagtiwala lang kami sa gameplan talaga e,” said the 16-year-old guard.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Baby Tamaraws secured an 81-66 victory, ending the Junior Warriors’ unbeaten streak of 12 wins and, more importantly, denying them an outright Finals berth.
“Nagtiwala lang talaga ako sa Diyos at nag-pray ng todo. Nag-hardwork din talaga ako sa larong ito para hindi maka-sweep yung UE,” Lopez added.
Much is expected of Lopez as this is his final year in the junior high ranks. Baby Tamaraws head coach Muriel Garcia is excited to guide him as he transitions to the 19-and-under competition next year.
“Gusto kong magtuloy-tuloy ang laro niya. Hindi namin sila pinababayaan sa practice at magturo ng details. Madami din kaming point guards na nagtuturo sa mga bata,” Garcia said.
“Napakagaling at napakahusay na bata.”
