Francis Lopez Steps Up as UP’s Two-Way Anchor
For the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, versatility is a prized asset, and Francis Lopez is proving to be one of their most versatile weapons. In UP’s pivotal Final Four victory over the University of Santo Tomas, Lopez showcased his prowess as a two-way player, earning high praise from his head coach, Goldwin Monteverde.
“Ang gusto ko kasi kay Francis ay ‘yung pagiging two-way player niya,” Monteverde shared after the game. “Besides defending Tounkara, having that big responsibility to defend Tounkara, he was able to contribute offensively rin.”
Indeed, Lopez’s defensive performance was the backbone of UP’s game plan. UST’s Mo Tounkara, a dominant foreign student-athlete who finished third in scoring during the elimination round, was held to just 8 points on 4-of-12 shooting. Tasked with guarding Tounkara, Lopez used his combination of size, length, strength, speed, and athleticism to disrupt his opponent’s rhythm. Whether it was on post-ups, rim attacks, or creation attempts, Lopez’s presence neutralized one of the league’s most potent offensive weapons.
“Like I said, parang nakita namin na of all the bigs naman sa amin, I think Francis was the best fit to defend Tounkara which I really liked na nagawa niya,” Monteverde remarked.
But Lopez didn’t just excel defensively. On offense, he scored a team-high 16 points to go with six rebounds, driving the Fighting Maroons’ attack. Despite shooting just 5-of-17 from the field, Lopez’s impact was undeniable, as evidenced by his game-high +18 plus-minus rating.
“Yes, yes. And very much so, kahit naman sa offense. He’s a really good team player, actually. He uses the ball well,” Monteverde added, emphasizing Lopez’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
As the Maroons prepare for a highly anticipated Finals matchup against La Salle, Lopez’s development as a two-way player will be crucial. The challenge ahead could include defending league MVP Kevin Quiambao, an incredibly versatile player who poses significant threats in the paint and beyond.
“I guess, he could really play both talaga,” Monteverde said, highlighting Lopez’s ability to excel offensively and defensively. “He has a big room for that.”
For UP, Lopez’s continued growth will be a key factor in their pursuit of a UAAP championship. His performance against UST was a testament to his potential.
