MANILA — The UP Fighting Maroons might play Game 2 of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Finals without one of their stars.

This, after Francis Lopez was ruled as a "game-time decision" for their bout against the De La Salle Green Archers on Sunday afternoon at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

• UAAP: UP looks to close out La Salle in Game 2

Lopez, who is set to be named the UAAP Season 86 Rookie of the Year, is sick with the flu.

“Francis will be a game-time decision for Game 2,” said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde early Sunday morning.

“We’re prioritizing his health and hoping for a speedy recovery as he deals with flu,” he added.

• UAAP: Alarcon stars as UP dominates La Salle to take Game 1

Lopez played a vital role in the Katipunan-based squad’s huge victory over the Topex Robinson-mentored Green Archers last Wednesday, putting up 15 points, nine of which came in the vital third quarter, alongside 11 rebounds and a steal in 23 minutes of action.

• Cansino glad how UP Maroons are stepping up to be leaders on their own

State U will now be banking on team captain CJ Cansino, Game 1 hero Harold Alarcon, and the rest of the Fighting Maroons as they try to bring home the title, possibly without the 6-foot-6 Filipino-Angolan.

“Active or inactive, UP will fight with all that we have,” Monteverde assured.

UP is trying to annex a second UAAP title in three seasons, after having broken a 36-year title drought during the "bubble" in UAAP Season 84.

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