Justine Arana takes over in clutch as Converge stays alive in playoff hunt with win over Blackwater

Justine Arana won the game for the FiberXers on this inside basket. Dennis Acosta

By Ivan Saldajeno

TAGUIG--Converge's prized rookie took over in crunch time to keep his team's chances of making the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals in check.

Justine Arana delivered the gems that mattered on both ends of the floor to lift the FiberXers past the skidding Blackwater Bossing, 92-90, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

With his team down, 88-90, Arana imposed his will inside, muscling his way for the equalizing layup with 34 seconds left.

He then swatted away Jvee Casio's layup attempt before sprinting his way back into offense to receive Allyn Bulanadi's assist for the eventual winning basket with 8.6 seconds remaining.

Blackwater had a chance to force overtime, but Barkley Ebona botched a wide-open layup as time expired.

Maverick Ahanmisi made 18 points, four rebounds, seven assists, and one steal to lead Converge, which finished its elimination round stint at 5-6.

The team's playoff fate now lies in the remaining games of the other teams chasing the last ride to the quarterfinals.

Arana added 13 points, five rebounds, one assist, and one block.

Brandon Rosser finished with 20 markers, 12 boards, one dime, and two blocks for Blackwater, which fell to 5-5.

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