UP’s Lopez remains grounded as stats begin to soar

MANILA, Philippines — UP newcomer Francis Lopez isn’t letting himself get distracted with the team’s ultimate goal after another stellar performance in the Fighting Maroons’ 78-60 rout of the NU Bulldogs at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.

Lopez enjoyed his third win in the UAAP in just as many games and the numbers continue to pop. Against NU, he finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block.

More importantly, he was a whopping +34 in the +/- column, being the most efficient out of all Goldwin Monteverde’s wards.

Still, he isn’t keen on looking past anything that isn’t in front of him.

“You know, I just wanna say that the job is not finished for us,” said Lopez after the game. 

“We have a lot to work on. You know, this is just our third win like Coach saying it’s just the start of the season so, we’re really happy about today’s game but I mean, we’re moving on to the next game and hopefully we can get that win [again].” he added.

Modesty aside, Lopez’ contributions were something that Monteverde couldn’t ignore.

Even though Lopez is touted as an effective scorer, the decorated tactician knows that there’s so much more he has to offer.

“Actually yung pagiging all-around player ni Francis, kasi, like before we would think that he is an athletic guy, he’s talented,” said the head coach after the game. 

“But he’s really, in the years na magkasama kami, nakita ko yung value niya as a team player, seeing the floor, getting everybody involved and at the same time, on both ends, ‘di ba? Offense and defense. Ang laki ng impact niya sa amin.”

Lopez will look to impact the game anew when the Maroons shoot for win no. 4 against the FEU Tamaraws on Wednesday, October 11.