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.

They also seized more than P1.4 million worth of marijuana and shabu (crystal meth).

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Saturday morning said scattered thunderstorms are expected in Palawan, Zamboanga Peninsula, Bangsamoro, Soccsksargen and Davao Occidental.

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.

Article continues after this advertisement

SCHEDULE: 2024-2025 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals

royal888 slotFEATURED STORIES SPORTS PBA: RJ Abarrientos condemns death threats after Ginebra loss SPORTS PBA: RJ Abarrientos no regrets over missed equalizer in Ginebra loss SPORTS PBA: Meralco finally conquers Ginebra this season

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.”

Article continues after this advertisement

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.

Article continues after this advertisement

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

Article continues after this advertisement

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.

Article continues after this advertisement

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.”

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Nowgenesis, 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.

READ NEXT PBA: Justin Arana, Converge head to Game 3 with more motivation PVL: Nxled stops 15-game slide at expense of Galeries EDITORS' PICK Heavy rains forecast in Quezon from Saturday to Monday (Feb 8 to 10) Speaker’s son replaces mom as Tingog party-list’s first nominee Cendaña claps back at Dela Rosa: Bring that ‘bravery’ to China, ICC Governors close ranks, express support for Tolentino’s reelection bid Remains of 2 Chinese kidnapped in Alabang in 2023 found buried in Cavite US, Japan condemn China’s ‘provocative activities’ in South China Sea MOST READ Villanueva: Impeach petitioners calling for special session risk bias Cendaña claps back at Dela Rosa: Bring that ‘bravery’ to China, ICC Andi Eigenmann clarifies Philmar Alipayo did not cheat on her Claudine Barretto cuts off friends who 'sided with a criminal' Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments