UP tackles La Salle in the UAAP finals on Wednesday.
Francis Lopez looked calm and composed during the postgame press conference in the aftermath of the UP Fighting Maroons’ 57-46 win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 86 Final Four on Saturday.
But while it seemed like he still had his game face on, Lopez said he’s happy as the Fighting Maroons will return to the finals against the La Salle Green Archers.
“Really happy that we got the W. We just came prepared. We just fought really really hard,” said the rookie.
But it’s too early for Lopez and the Fighting Maroons to celebrate anyway. After all, job’s not done.
They will take on a La Salle side riding a scintillating nine-game winning streak, including a convincing victory against the experienced NU Bulldogs in the semifinals, behind MVP frontrunner Kevin Quiambao.
Though it’s a tall task for the Fighting Maroons, Lopez said the team, as the monicker suggests, will keep on fighting until the goal it has set is finally achieved.
“We’re just gonna continue to fight and fight ’til we get the championship,” he said.
Lopez and company will no doubt need to fight the fight of their lives come the finals as the Green Archers are looking mighty impressive. And that is all the more reason to stay tuned for what may very well be an epic conclusion to what has been an exciting season of basketball.
(With reports from Aivan Episcope, One Sports Digital)
(MDB)