Justin Arana was left in tears as he ended a spectacular run in the collegiate ranks with Arellano University with a tough loss to University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in their knockout play-in clash.
The 6-foot-7 bruiser left everything on the floor but the Chiefs just fell short.
He finished with nine points, 17 rebounds, two blocks, one assist, and one steal in over 29 minutes of action but his numbers weren't enough to keep Arellano alive as Perpetual was the team to advance to face CSB in another do-or-die play-in.
"Wala na akong masabi kasi 'yun nga, binuhos ko naman lahat [pero] naging short lang talaga kami. Sobrang saya ko naman para sa team ko and kung ano 'yung nakuha naming ngayon season," said Arana following a heartbreaking 59-52 defeat that formalized their exit from playoff contention.
Arana had a spectacular Season 97, posting averages of 15.5 points, 17.1 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game in the elimination round.
He capped it with a heroic performance in the final game of their elims schedule, going for 18 points and 29 rebounds while playing all 40 minutes in a win that clinched them a place in this play-in tournament.
"May promise ako sa Arellano community, especially sa management namin na gusto ko talagang dalhin sa Final Four ang Arellano pero 'yun, sobrang sakit lang talaga."
Despite the heartbreaking end, Arana said he's ready to move forward.
"Pero okay lang yon, move on na talaga."
Arana revealed he is now preparing to throw his name into the PBA Season 47 Draft as he is eyeing to make a leap into the professional ranks.
"I-pursue ko na yung PBA draft ko. After nito, magre-ready na ako for draft, 'yun na 'yung focus ko ngayon," he said.
"Sobrang sakit lang kasi 'yun nga, last game na namin and naming mga seniors, last game ko na rin pero move on na talaga, wala na kaming magagawa eh. Good luck sa Perpetual and sa remaining teams."
—JMB, GMA News
