La Salle coach Topex Robinson during Game 2, Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Tournament Final against the UP Fighting Maroons. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — La Salle coach Topex Robinson breathed a big sigh of relief as the Green Archers overcame crucial missed free throws to survive with a heart-stopping victory over the University of the Philippines and bring the final to UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball to a decisive Game 3.
In front of a pressure-packed crowd of 17,112, Phillip missed crucial free throws with 19.6 seconds remaining after giving La Salle a 76-75 lead in the final minute.
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The Green Archers had a lucky break when Fighting Maroons star Francis Lopez grabbed Phillip’s rebound but committed a costly pass turnover.
READ: UAAP Finals: La Salle defeats UP in tense final to force game 3
Two-time UAAP MVP Quiambao, who led the Green Archers’ comeback in the fourth quarter, was then fouled but went uncharacteristically 0-for-2 from the line with 12.1 ticks remaining, giving UP the opportunity to steal victory.
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But Gerry Abadiano missed UP’s potential game-winner and gave La Salle another chance at the title in a do-or-die Game 3 on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Kevin Quiambao prepares to make free throws during the final seconds of Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Finals between La Salle Green Archers and UP Fighting Maroons. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“It’s every coach’s dream or nightmare. This last plan of Gerry’s could have happened and ended everything for us. Those three from Maimai (Cagulangan), I was there when he took over the three in season 84. That goes through my mind,” Robinson said.
“I said, Lord, give it to us, give it to us. If not, it’s okay, because we fought until the final possession. But you know, the basketball gods have been good to us. These guys, they just don’t give up. I think it’s a victory for us. The big victory for us was that we stayed together.
READ: UAAP Finals: Kevin Quiambao emotional as La Salle gets another chance
Last year’s champion coach said he had the same feeling of anxiety before the third game, but he knows the scenario is different this time with a new team led by Quiambao and Phillips.
“I think the feeling is the same. It’s just a different scenario. Sabi ko nga, ang sa akin na lang, give us another experience. Something we could learn from and experience as a young team as well with the rest of the guys. It was given to us. So it’s up to us now to know how to seize the opportunity that has been given to us,” he said.
Expect Robinson and his wards to leave it all on the floor in another winner-take-all matchup against the Fighting Maroons.
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“I’m sure this will all end. Whoever wanted it the most, we will emerge champions. We’re just happy to have had this great opportunity. Of course, we’re going to work on everything, we’re going to compete and then if we get the chance, no matter what, we’re going to keep attacking,” he said.
