UP coach Goldwin Monteverde and Fighting Maroons standout Francis Lopez. Photos by Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
MANILA, Philippines – University of the Philippines (UP) men's basketball head coach Goldwin Monteverde expressed his delight in witnessing Francis Lopez triumph over challenges and praised his determination throughout the UAAP Finals.
Monteverde saw Lopez redeem himself—from missing crucial free throws in Game Two to sinking the most important triple of the season— and it was a joyful moment for the UP coach as the Fighting Maroons walked off Araneta Coliseum on Sunday crowned as UAAP champions once more.
UP outlasted De La Salle University, 66-62, in Game Three of Season 87 men's basketball Finals to reclaim UAAP glory and claim what was once theirs.
It was Lopez who put in the dagger from beyond the arc with only 1:12 left in the payoff period, helping the Fighting Maroons expand their lead in the pivotal moments of the match.
READ: REDEMPTION: UP reigns over La Salle for UAAP championship glory
"At his age, you know, his road to greatness talagang dadaan siya sa ganon. 'Yung sa mga pagsubok. And, sobrang saya ko for him kasi 'yung dinaanan niya, di rin gano'n kadali, especially for his age," Monteverde said.
"And you know, blessing ito ni Lord sa kaniya dahil that last shot, 'yung three points niya, 'yun din naman 'yung nagbigay sa 'min, 'yung nagseal ng panalo namin so, very happy for him," he added.
In a separate interview, Lopez said one of his ways to redeem himself was shutting out negative noise from the outside.
READ: 'F--- them, man': UP's Francis Lopez shuts out outside noise to redeem himself in UAAP Finals
Meanwhile, Monteverde also shared his message to the State U boys after losing Game 2—a reminder of the pain last season.
In their first face-off in recent memory, it was the De La Salle Green Archers who snatched the title in Season 86 Finals, also in three games.
"We’ve been here. Remember the pain last season… Should that make us stronger, mas motivation sa 'min to bounce back, whatever happens this season," he said.
"They really refused to lose eh. Talagang whatever happens, 'yung habol nila, 'yung paglaban sa huli. Di naman kami… We have some tall players, but seeing them really go for the rebound, giving up the effort na talagang gusto nila manalo."
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