Before his exit, Justin Arana had nine points, eight rebounds, seven assists and a block for Converge in its win against Magnolia in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Converge coach Delta Pineda is keeping his fingers crossed that Justin Arana’s ankle injury is not as serious as it looked.
Arana exited the match with still 2:34 left to play after rolling his ankle in trying to clean up the possession following an MJ Garcia miss in transition.
The Converge big man grimaced in pain as he clutched his ankle for a minute. He had to be assisted back to the bench.
The FiberXers went on to claim the convincing 114-97 win over Magnolia in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
“Sana 'wag naman [serious] kasi one day rest lang kami tapos on Sunday, mabigat ang kalaban namin,” said Pineda during the post-game press conference.
"Kalaban namin si Kuya Yeng (Guiao), Rain or Shine. Kailangan tingnan maigi si Arana ngayon.”
Before his departure, Arana had nine points, eight rebounds, seven assists and a block.
Fortunately for Pineda, the FiberXers did not experience any trouble after that as they punched a ticket to the quarterfinals with their 6-2 mark.
Still, the rookie PBA mentor is honing in on the team’s match against co-leader Elasto Painters Sunday, Dec. 7.
“Marami pa po ‘tong mabibigat na laban. Pangarap pa rin naming pumasok sa Top Four para at least, twice-to-beat. 'Yon ang goal namin,” said Pineda.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.