MANILA — Francis Lopez, a key player for the University of the Philippines, opened up about the importance of humility and physicality in basketball following his team’s loss to De La Salle University in UAAP Season 87.
Without directly mentioning anyone, Lopez took to Instagram to stress the significance of “playing the game the right way” after the Fighting Maroons’ first defeat in the men’s basketball tournament.
“One big game. Had a lot of things happen, but it was a disaster,” the Las Piñas native wrote in his Instagram story.
He also offered some words of wisdom: “If you ever make it to the highest level of your life, make sure to humble yourself and play it right.
Everyone should always look for those who are consistently there when you’re at your lowest, as those are the ones who want to see you succeed.”
Lopez then shared his perspective on basketball’s physical nature, adding, “Our team accepts defeat and all of our coaches never told us to hurt anybody.
But basketball is a physical game, a contact sport. If you can’t play through it, then go cry to your mommy and daddy.”
He concluded with a statement that hinted at unfinished business: “Fix the character. We will see you soon. No promises on anything, but we will for sure see you soon.”
Lopez’s post followed UP’s 68-56 loss to La Salle in a finals rematch, where much of the post-game conversation centered around a mid-game altercation between the two coaching staffs during the third quarter.
UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde expressed his disappointment with the situation, stating, “Whatever tension happened, it wasn’t about basketball.
If it was just about basketball, both sides would simply give their best. But there were things happening out there that had nothing to do with the game.”
La Salle assistant coach Gian Nazario downplayed the incident, saying, “Emotions were high at that point. Honestly, I don’t even know what transpired.
We were just protecting our coaches. It’s part of the game.”
An unidentified source from UP’s side alleged that someone from La Salle’s coaching staff spat on a Fighting Maroon player.
Meanwhile, UAAP basketball commissioner Xavy Nunag confirmed that no official complaints had been lodged but noted that their technical committee would review the incident as part of their standard procedure.