Justin Arana was not his usual self after falling into early foul trouble in twice-to-beat-armed Converge’s eventual loss to Ginebra in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinals.
Justin Arana has no other recourse but to stay upbeat in hopes that No. 4 Converge will regain lost ground in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinals.
Arana chose to focus on the positives after the twice-to-beat-armed FiberXers bowed to a fifth-seeded Ginebra, 85-105, on Christmas Day.
“Ito 'yong itinuturing naming pinakamalaking chance namin para makarating sa dream and sa goal namin which is 'yong semifinals muna. And then, uunti -untiin namin hanggang finals,” said Arana after the match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
“At least, may chance pa kaming makabawi sa Sunday. Hindi pa naman tapos ‘to para sa'min. Kailangan lang naming mag-adjust.”
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Arana falls into early foul trouble
Arana, indeed, needs to make some adjustments after being riddled with foul trouble early.
Consequently, the Converge big man only wound up with six points, four rebounds and six assists.
“Early fouls, like four fouls in the first half. Tulad ng sabi ko kanina, hindi ko ginagawang alibi 'yon para sa pagkatalo namin,” Arana said.
“Sobrang malaki ang mistake namin this game. Kailangan naming mag-bounce back. Wala kaming magagawa kung hindi mag-adjust right away.”
Converge will have another shot at a first-ever semifinal appearance when it takes on Ginebra Sunday, Dec. 28, at the same venue.
“Kailangan lang naming mag-adjust. Sobrang daming mistakes for this game. Na-outplay talaga kmi ng Ginebra. Kaya kailangan naming mag-double effort,” he said.
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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.