PBA: Justin Arana, Converge head to Game 3 with more motivation

Converge FiberXers’ Justin Arana during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Instead of wallowing on the missed chance to close out the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals in Game 2, Justin Arana said they will use the 2 loss  as added motivation for their upcoming do-or-die game.

The FiberXers had a chance to punch their ticket to the semifinals on Friday but ultimately flopped when they lost to the Elasto Painters, 114-104, losing their headstart in the best-of-three series.

SCHEDULE: 2024-2025 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals

Arana, though, decided not to cry over spilled milk.

“We’re more motivated now because it’s 1-1. It’s like one of our feet is already in the grave, right? If we win, we advance but if we lose, we’re out,” said the third-year big man. “We’ll be more eager to win now and we’ll study our adjustments plus double our efforts.”

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 Year continued his string of stellar games for the FiberXers with 17 points and eight rebounds but it just wasn’t enough to keep the Elasto Painters at bay.

Arana’s struggles may not show on paper but it was his duty that got to him in the endgame.

READ: PBA: Justin Arana full of motivation in timely return to Converge

Unlike in Game 1 of the quarterfinals, Rain or Shine import Deon Thompson didn’t foul out in the early 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 one of the biggest things for Rain or Shine, he’s an import who you could really rely on,” Arana said.

“We need to adjust on defending him because it starts with him. We couldn’t guard his post and kick. That’s what we need to study as well.”

Now, it’s back to square one for Converge and Rain or Shine and it all comes to a head on Sunday at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo for Game 3.