Ferrer leads UST into UAAP finals

Josiah Albelda

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The UST Growling Tigers enter the UAAP Finals for the first time since 2006

MANILA, Philippines – Two days ago, Kevin Ferrer was in a hospital emergency room, nursing an illness that had him confined for almost 24 hours.

On Saturday, September 29, he suited up for University of Santo Tomas (UST) and played the game of his life.

The former juniors MVP came up big when it mattered most, delivering stellar numbers on offense and shutting down a scoring machine on defense to lift UST to a 63-57 triumph over National University in the 75th UAAP men’s basketball tournament semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ferrer poured in 15 of his 17 points in the first half while doing a solid job of limiting Bobby Ray Parks as the Growling Tigers roared past the Bulldogs, booking the first slot in the finals series.

Sobrang saya,” shared a jubilant Ferrer. “Sabi lang sa amin ni coach, ‘kung ano yung gusto mo, paghirapan mo.'” (I’m really happy. Coach [Pido Jarencio] told us that if we want it, we have to work hard for it.)

Both squads went toe-to-toe in the first two quarters, but a second-period spurt by Ferrer shoved UST ahead, 38-34, at half time.

The Bulldogs went on an 11-2 blast late in the third period to take a 49-45 advantage but the Tigers, behind Jeric Teng and Aljon Mariano, teamed up to give UST a 56-50 advantage coming into the fourth.

The Tigers widened the lead to 59-50 early in the fourth before Jelo Alolino spearheaded a 7-0 NU blitz that closed the gap to 59-57, with over two minutes remaining.

However, the Bulldogs failed to buy a basket in the last minute, missing 3 consecutive three-point attempts that ended their quest for a first championship in more than 50 years.

“This is for the UST community,” said coach Pido Jarencio, who will return to the finals for the first time after steering the Tigers to a crown in 2006.

Ferrer went 6-for-6 in the first half and added 4 rebounds as Karim Abdul posted 15 points, 8 boards and two steals.

Meanwhile, Parks vanished from the game, tallying 12 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists while shooting a woeful four-of-12 from the field (0-for-six from rainbow territory).

Jeff Javillonar had 15 markers and 11 rebounds in his last game for NU while Emmanuel Mbe was held to four points and 11 boards. -Rappler.com


UST, 63: Ferrer 17, Abdul 15, Mariano 14, Fortuna 8, Teng 6, Vigil 3, Pe 0, Lo 0, Bautista 0, Afuang 0

NU, 57: Javillonar 15, Parks 12, Alolino 8, Villamor 6, Betayene 5, Mbe 4, Khobuntin 3, Rono 2, De Guzman 2, Singh 0, Neypes 0, Labing-isa 0

 

 

The Archers take on the Blue Eagles in the next game, follow the liveblog here.


For more on UAAP Season 75, read:

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