The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons will rely more on the leadership of one of their new players, Fil-Angolan Francis Lopez, going into their fourth game of the season against Far Eastern University Tamaraws at 11 a.m. today at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Fighting Maroons’ coach Goldwin Monteverde believes that Lopez has proven his worth in their last three games, which they have won, putting them in the solo lead of the 86th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
“He’s an athletic guy, he’s talented, but ever since magkasama kami, nakita ko ‘yung value niya as a team player,” said Monteverde after watching Lopez deliver 14 points when UP defeated the National University Bulldogs, 78-60, last Saturday.
The 6’6” Lopez, who has normed 7.0 points and 8.0 rebounds in their first three encounters, is expected to have more involvement when UP goes for their fourth straight win in their battle with the UE.
“Seeing him on the floor, getting everybody involved at the same time in offense and defense, ang laki ng impact niya sa amin,” added Monteverde.
The Tamaraws suffered a third straight setback, bowing to UE, 58-65. Peter Atencio
The Jack Santiago-coach Warriors are now in a four-way tie in second place at 2-1 with the Adamson Falcons, the La Salle Green Archers and the NU Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs will play the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers at 4 p.m., while the Falcons and the Green Archers will clash at 6 p.m. The Warriors will take on the defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles at 1 p.m.