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MANILA, Philippines — It seemed like déjà vu for the Growling Tigers.
Last year, Kevin Ferrer led the University of Santo Tomas to the Finals after pouring in 15 points and 17 boards while clamping down on the then Most Valuable Player Bobby Ray Parks. He did it two days after being rushed to the emergency room.
Against the same team last Saturday, September 28, Ferrer duplicated the same feat to send the Tigers back to the Last Dance.
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The former UAAP Juniors MVP once again showed his fangs as he scored 18 points this time, and more importantly limited Parks to just 15 in a game that almost went down the line if not for a late-game meltdown by the Bulldogs.
The Tigers roared their way back to the Finals with a 76-69 win and became just the first team to overturn a twice-to-beat advantage by a top-seeded team in the history of the UAAP.
“Sabi nga nila, history ito. Ang masasabi ko lang, destiny ito para sa amin,” the lanky but gutsy forward said shortly after the game.
Tasked of guarding the two-time former MVP in the series, Ferrer made life difficult for Parks as he restricted him to just 14 and 15 points in the two games respectively. After Game 1, Parks vented his ire on Ferrer’s pesky defense and even referred to the Detroit Pistons of the 90’s, who were for playing on the borderline between the physical and the dirty.
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Ferrer, however, reckons it just part of basketball, and facing a do-or-die scenario, he said he was just out to give his best.
“Physical na nga eh, sabi ko nga Final Four na. Kailangan kong manalo eh,” Ferrer said. “Ako laro lang ako, kung may foul o wala, masaktan man ako, basta laro lang.”
In game 2, Robin Rono sank one from downtown to give NU a 5-point lead, 59-54. The Tigers however put on a blistering 16-2 run to erect a safe 9-point cushion inside the last minute. In that stretch, Ferrer knocked down some crucial shots and more importantly blanked Parks in the entire fourth quarter.
“Lahat kami nagdeliver eh, tinuring naming ang isa’t isa na leader,” the 6-foot-4 forward said.
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Facing a De La Salle University side riding on a 9-game winning streak in the finals, Ferrer has some words for the Green Archers.
“Paghahandaan namin sila. Bibigyan namin sila ng magandang laban.”
Next week, the Growling Tigers will be back to the big stage once again but they will hope not for a déjà vu this time. At season’s end, they will hope to wear t-shirts with the words “Season 76 Champs” on it. – Rappler.com
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