Justin Arana is keeping Converge’s spirits high despite suffering its first setback of the PBA Governors’ Cup, reminding the FiberXers that one loss won’t define their campaign.
Fresh off their 128-122 defeat to San Miguel Beer on Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, Arana called on his teammates to quickly regroup and focus on the bigger picture—with plenty of games left to play and a rematch with the Beermen already looming.
“Isang talo pa lang naman. Kailangan namin mag-regroup at siyempre kailangan namin makabawi kasi magkikita pa naman kami sa second round,” said Arana.
The FiberXers will look to return to their winning ways when they take on TNT on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium before renewing their rivalry with San Miguel on Aug. 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Despite the loss, Converge remains in strong contention in Group A with a 3-1 record, good for third place behind unbeaten co-leaders San Miguel Beer and NLEX, who both sport identical 3-0 marks.
Arana, who was recently named PBA Press Corps Player of the Week, continued his stellar play with 29 points, five rebounds, and four assists while battling reigning MVP June Mar Fajardo in the paint.
However, the big man admitted the FiberXers struggled to contain San Miguel’s well-oiled offensive attack.
“Nag-collapse yung defense namin at maganda yung rotation nila ng bola, especially pag nakay CJ (Perez) or George King yung bola. Mas napaghandaan nila yung game,” Arana explained.
Converge’s unbeaten run may be over, but Arana believes the loss could serve as a valuable lesson—and added motivation—as the FiberXers pursue a deeper run in the tournament.
For Arana and Converge, the message is simple: move on, regroup, and come back stronger.