Converge FiberXers’ Justin Arana in the course of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—As a substitute of wallowing on the missed probability to shut out the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals in Game 2, Justin Arana said they may use the two loss as added motivation for his or her upcoming do-or-die game.
The FiberXers had a probability to punch their ticket to the semifinals on Friday but ultimately flopped once they lost to the Elasto Painters, 114-104, losing their headstart within the best-of-three series.
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SCHEDULE: 2024-2025 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals
Arana, though, decided to not cry over spilled milk.
“We’re more motivated now since it’s 1-1. It’s like certainly one of our feet is already within the grave, right? If we win, we advance but when we lose, we’re out,” said the third-year big man. “We’ll be more desirous to win now and we’ll study our adjustments plus double our efforts.”
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Justin Arana defends Deon Thompson during Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
The 2023 PBA Rookie of the 12 months continued his string of stellar games for the FiberXers with 17 points and eight rebounds nevertheless it just wasn’t enough to maintain the Elasto Painters at bay.
Arana’s struggles may not show on paper nevertheless it was his duty that got to him within the endgame.
READ: PBA: Justin Arana stuffed with motivation in timely return to Converge
Unlike in Game 1 of the quarterfinals, Rain or Shine import Deon Thompson didn’t foul out within the early a part of the third quarter.
Having to defend the Elasto Painters’ reinforcement, who finished with a double-double of 28 points and 18 rebounds, took a toll on Arana.
“He’s certainly one of the most important things for Rain or Shine, he’s an import who you might really depend on,” Arana said.
“We’d like to regulate on defending him since it starts with him. We couldn’t guard his post and kick. That’s what we want to check as well.”
Now, it’s back to square one for Converge and Rain or Shine and all of it involves a head on Sunday at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo for Game 3.
