CHICAGO - With about two hours left before tip-off, it looks like Francis Lopez is doing everything in his power to play in today's Game Two of the UAAP's men's basketball finals series at the Araneta Coliseum, a source told SPIN.ph.
UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde announced earlier that the 6-foot-6, 170-pound wing was dealing with the flu and is "a game time decision."
READ Francis Lopez in doubt for UP Maroons in Game Two due to flu
Ultimately, Monteverde added that the coaching staff and Lopex himself will have to make an all-important decision in the hours leading up to the 4 p.m. tip-off.
The illness Lopez is dealing with was "triggered by exhaustion," added the source, who also revealed that the presumptive Season 86 Rookie of the Year winner has been hydrating and taking in IV fluids and meds.
As of 2 p.m., the team was "still assessing" if Lopez can muster the power to play. He was seen in the arena taking in the women's title series between UST and NU.
After an emphatic 97-67 Game One rout, the Maroons are looking to sweep the DLSU Green Archers who are led by newly-crowned MVP Kevin Quiambao.
Lopez double-double in Game One
Lopez was dynamic in Game One. He finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds while logging only 23 minutes and 27 seconds of action. He made 5-of-11 field goals including 2-of-5 from 3.
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