Justin Arana and Converge look to build on their breakthrough win against Meralco in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup.
As losses piled up for Converge, the desire to get a breakthrough win in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup only grew stronger for standout Justin Arana.
Arana and the rest of the FiberXers' efforts finally paid off Sunday, April 21, as they outlasted Meralco, 104-99, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
“Sabi lang namin, ibigay na lang namin lahat. Nasa bottom na tayo, wala na tayong babagsakan,” said Arana, who tallied 18 points, seven rebounds and the same number of assists for Converge.
“Wala na tayong gagawin kung hindi umangat na lang talaga.”
[WATCH: PBA Game Highlights: Converge earns win No. 1, nips Meralco]
Arana could not help but feel elated after the match which finally shoved the FiberXers to the win column on their ninth try. But the work does not stop there.
“Sobrang happy namin. Pero sabi ng coaches namin, mag-celebrate kami ngayon tapos break kami bukas. After the break, trabaho ulit kasi may last two games pa kami,” said the young slotman, whose team is still set to play Ginebra and TNT.
Justin Arana goes for the basket in Converge's match against Converge in the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday, April 21. | Photo (c) PBA
[ALSO WATCH: PBA Game Highlights: Magnolia douses red-hot Rain or Shine, keeps own win run going]
At 1-8, the FiberXers are already out of contention for the quarterfinals.
But now that they finally got a taste of victory, the Aldin Ayo-mentored squad is craving for more as they aim to exit on a high note, and, hopefully, carry over that winning character in the next season.
“Ayoko namang isa lang 'yung panalo namin this conference. Gusto ko, pagdating next conference, nasa winning column kami,” said Arana.