JUSTIN Arana vows to bounce back, as Converge’s PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup campaign is on the line Sunday against Barangay Ginebra.
The 6-foot-7 Arana was left immobile due to foul trouble in a 105-85 loss in the FiberXers’ first quarterfinal meeting with the Gin Kings that led to the do-or-die game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The fourth-year big man was held to just six points and four rebounds, alongside six assists.
The numbers were obviously way below his averages of 15.7 points (second-best in the team) and 9.5 rebounds (also second-best).
But the big man out of Daet, Camarines Norte is not in the business of making excuses, and would rather move on and try not to make the same mistakes again in the most important game so far in Converge's franchise history.
“Kailangan namin panoorin kung ano yung mga pagkakamali namin,” he said of the 20-point loss.
READ: Pineda tells Converge to stop complaining, adjust to officiating
As the fourth-seeded team, the FiberXers earned a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs, marking the first time they clinched a quarterfinal bonus.
But in three previous do-or-die games in the quarterfinals, Converge lost in all of them, including last season’s All-Filipino Conference where they likewise bowed to Ginebra.
“Puro talo sa quarterfinals. Kaya ito yung tinuturing namin na pinakamalaking chance namin para makarating doon sa dream and goal namin,” he said of their long-cherished bid to reach the semifinals.
“At least, may chance pa naman kami na makabawi. Hindi pa naman tapos ito para sa amin.”
Double time, double effort
Adjustment is definitely needed, especially in nitty-gritty things, such as second chance points where the FiberXers were outscored by the Gin Kings, 19-10; in points off turnovers, 15-6; and in bench points, 53-39.
“Ang daming mistakes (last game). Outplayed kami talaga ng Ginebra. So kailangan namin na mag-double effort,” said Arana, who assured that he’s already 100-percent recovered from the ankle injury that bothered him late in the eliminations.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
