La Salle coach Topex Robinson in Game 2 Game 2 of UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament Finals against UP FIghting Maroons. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — La Salle coach Topex Robinson heaved a giant sigh of relief the Green Archers overcame missed crucial free throws to survive with cardiac win over University of the Philippines and take the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals to a deciding Game 3.
In front of a pressure-packed 17,112 fans, Phillip missed crucial free throws with 19.6 seconds left after giving La Salle a 76-75 lead in the ultimate minute.
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The Green Archers got a lucky break when Fighting Maroons star Francis Lopez grabbed the rebound off Phillip’ but committed a costly passing turnover.
READ: UAAP Finals: La Salle beats UP in tense finish to force Game 3
Two-time UAAP MVP Quiambao, who led the Green Archers’ fourth-quarter comeback, was then fouled but uncharacteristically went 0-of-2 from the road with 12.1 ticks remaining giving UP the chance to steal the win.
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But Gerry Abadiano missed the potential game-winner for UP and allowed La Salle one other shot at a title in a do-or-die Game 3 on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Kevin Quiambao prepares to take freethrows through 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. That last shot by Gerry could’ve are available and just finish every part for us. Those threes by Maimai (Cagulangan), I used to be there when he took the three back in Season 84. It’s just going through my head,” Robinson said.
“Sabi ko nga, Lord, bibigay mo sa amin to, bigay mo sa amin. Pag hindi, okay na ako kasi we fought till that final possession. But, you already know, basketball gods have been good to us. These guys, they simply don’t surrender. I feel that’s the win for us. The large win for us is we just stuck together.”
READ: UAAP Finals: Kevin Quiambao emotional as La Salle gets one other shot
Last yr’s champion coach said he has the identical anxious feeling heading to Game 3, but he knows it’s different scenario this time with a brand new roster led by Quiambao and Phillips.
“I feel the sensation is identical. It’s just a distinct scenario. Sabi ko nga, ang sa akin na lang,Jst give us one other experience. Something that we could learn from and experience as a young team also with the remaining of the fellows. It was given to us. So, sa amin na ngayon yung kung paano gagawin yung opportunity na binigay sa amin,” he said.
Expect Robinson and his wards to go away every part on the ground in one other winner-take-all game against the Fighting Maroons.
“I’m sure that is gonna be all out. Whoever wanted it more, we are going to come out as champions. We’re just glad that we’re given this excellent opportunity. Of course we’re gonna work every part, we’re gonna compete after which, given the prospect, whatever happens, we’re just gonna carry on pushing,” he said.
