JUSTIN Arana has been with Converge since its first season in the league, being the second-ever draft choice by the franchise when he was picked at No. 4 in the Season 47 draft, just after they picked Jeo Ambohot.
Now in its fifth quarterfinal appearance, Arana is determined to finally break through and proceed to the next level for the first time in franchise history.
READ: Rain or Shine finishes strong to beat Converge, force decider
They will have to do it the hard way as Converge battles Rain or Shine in the third and final game of their 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.
“Siguro, mas motivated kami ngayon lalo na 1-1. Kumbaga ‘yung isang paa namin, nasa hukay na. Kapag nanalo kami, advance. Pag natalo, laglag kami. Magiging eager pa kaming manalo,” said Arana.
Arana was one of the guiding forces in Converge’s 130-118 win over Rain or Shine in Game One when he had 22 points on 10 of 11 shooting from the field, while also hauling eight rebounds.
The third-year big man still had good numbers for Converge in Game Two when he had 17 points and eight rebounds, but Rain or Shine did a better job of defending Arana’s fellow bigs Cheick Diallo and Justine Baltazar, combining for only 20 points compared to 48 in Game One.
“Siguro mas physical na sila sa amin, isa sa pinaka-big factor na adjustment nila sa amin. Hindi namin na-sustain ‘yung physicality na binagay nila sa amin,” said Arana.
For the keys to Game Three, Arana said they have to play consistent throughout the match as Converge was unable to sustain its 54-51 halftime lead.
Arana said the FiberXers must also find a way to set the tone of the match with Elasto Painters import Deon Thompson on the floor.
Unlike in the series opener where he fouled out early in the third quarter, Thompson spent more time on the floor in Game Two and ending up with 28 points, 18 rebounds, and seven assists.
“Nag-start sa kanya, doon kami na nayari sa poste niya and kick niya. Poposte siya tapos iki-kickout niya kapag may nag-double sa kanya. ‘Yun ang kailangan naming pag-aralan,” said Arana on Thompson.
“Siyempre, ‘yung basketball four quarters. Hindi kami puwedeng first half lang. Nag-short lang din talaga. Hopefully, makabawi kami sa Game Three sa Sunday,” said Arana.
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