Justin Arana sustained a knee injury late in the third period of the Converge FiberXers' victory over the Blackwater Bossing in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Converge coach Franco Atienza is keeping his fingers crossed that Justin Arana will emerge from an injury scare scot-free.
Arana hurt his left knee in a transition play that saw him sidestep past Blackwater import George King in the dying seconds of the third period.
His knee appeared to buckle as he was about to take off. He then fell immediately to the ground, grimacing in pain.
FiberXers assistant coaches Danny Ildefonso and Willie Miller had to carry Arana off to the dugout.
Arana never returned.
Justin Arana of the Converge FiberXers | Photo (c) PBA Images
As Atienza awaits the official prognosis, the Converge mentor could only hope that it is nothing serious.
“Kanina wala pang update 'yung medical team namin pero pagdala sa kaniya sa dugout, tsinek na 'yun. We’ll see,” Atienza said after the FiberXers 127-109 win over Blackwater in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Sunday. Jan. 19.
“Ini-evaluate pa, eh. Maybe tomorrow, may further evaluation pa na gagawin.”
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At 8-3, the FiberXers remained in the hunt for a playoff incentive. But Atienza would need all hands on deck when the FiberXers close out their elimination round campaign against the desperate San Miguel.
“Sana OK naman. Initially, medyo OK pero masakit daw sabi ni Justin,” Atienza said. “We’re hoping for the best. Sana it’s something na he can just shrug off if he takes a day off or two."