UP's Francis Lopez in action. Photo from Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA, Philippines – Francis Lopez's missed free throws in the endgame against the De La Salle Green Archers proved pivotal for the UP Fighting Maroons.

It could have altered the result—perhaps, the outcome would have been tilted in favor of the State U.

The Fighting Maroons could not minimize those mistakes—turnovers and missed field goals included—as they succumbed in Game 2 to the rallying Archers, 75-76, on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

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Lopez, reflecting on what happened during his failed trips on the charity line, said that he's not putting up any excuses.

He was zero-and-four during that stretch, in a battle which they lost only by one point.

"It's no excuse. I just missed it, you know. Can't do nothing about it but move on," said Lopez.

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During that crucial moments, Lopez bared they struggled to find the open man to shoot.

"I believe we didn't have any timeouts at the end. We were just looking for the open man. I had turnovers, and you know, we just couldn't get it to Mai mai [JD Cagulangan], that's about it."

Moving forward will be number one on their checklist as the State U players shift their focus to the all-or-nothing match on Sunday.

Luckily for them, the Fighting Maroons still have one last chance to overturn their fate and reclaim that men's basketball title.

"You know, we still have a Game 3, we still have another opportunity. We're gonna be focused on that one," Lopez said.

"More days to prepare, it's a do or die for both teams," he also said.

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