ANTIPOLO – Converge is hoping that Justin Arana suffered nothing but cramps after getting hurt in their win over Blackwater, Sunday night.
The rookie big man was seen grabbing onto his left hamstring with around 25 seconds left in the third quarter after stripping the ball away from counterpart Yousef Taha. He eventually fell down on his knees, grimacing in pain.
He needed help to get back up and return to the FiberXers bench, and was reduced to a spectator as he was no longer brought back into the match. He left with eight points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two steals to his name.
Head coach Aldin Ayo allayed fears of a major injury but is of course still hoping that the prized 6-foot-7 center out of Arellano University is all fine.
“Hindi naman pulled, parang cramps lang,” the young mentor told reporters moments after their 77-71 victory at the Ynares Center here.
The little time Converge had for recovery from its match against TNT two nights ago might have played a factor in Arana’s case, Ayo offered.
There, he saw action for 34 minutes, where he tallied 14 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and a block in their dominant 130-117 victory.
But then again, the rest of the FiberXers have their fingers crossed that the 23-year-old is alright, especially now that the club is in the midst of a fiery four-game winning streak in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
It can be recalled that Arana had a series of injuries during his final year with Arellano University, who played the young big man with no relief in each game.
“Hopefully, nothing serious,” said Ayo of Arana, who’s currently averaging 10.5 points. 7.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks.
“Pero ‘yung initial na report ng mga PT, hindi naman siya pulled hamstring.”
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