Ferrer steps up as UST escapes FEU

By Josiah Albelda Posted Jul 20th 2014

A turnover machine the last time he stepped on the court, Kevin Ferrer made sure an embarrassing performance like that won't happen again.

Ferrer delivered the daggers as University of Santo Tomas survived Far Eastern University, 69-67, for their first 77th UAAP men's basketball victory Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

"Kailangan kong bumawi," said the lanky forward, who had seven turnovers in their opening-weekend loss. "Sabi ko, di ako bibitaw."

Ferrer fired two triples in a searing 8-0 run that turned a one-point deficit into a 67-62 advantage with less than two minutes left on the game clock, helping the Growling Tigers break into the win column.

"Ipinakita ko na kailangan kong i-lift-up yung team," he said. "Kailangan kong dalhin yung team, i-lead. Sa awa ng Diyos, nai-lead ko nag."

UST fell prey to a Mac Belo assault early in the final period, as an 8-0 burst led by the Tamaraws' forward gave the Morayta cagers the lead, 58-53.

But Ferrer stepped up to the plate while reserve Kent Lao provided lethal punches as the Tigers erased bitter memories of the 40-59 loss they suffered at the hands of National University last week.

"Dumoble yung pressure nung natalo kami," admitted rookie coach Bong dela Cruz. "Ngayong nanalo kami, wala nang pressure."

Ferrer added that the one-week break due to the suspension caused by Typhoon Glenda helped UST in preparing for this match, as it gave the Tigers more time to address the glaring miscues they committed against the Bulldogs.

"Nakapag-prepare kami ng almost one week," he said. "Pinag-usapan namin yung mga mali namin. At open naman sila coach sa suggestions naming."

After dishing out a mere three assists in their loss, UST had 14 in this match, with swingman Louie Vigil leading everyone with four dimes.

"Na-execute namin yung game plan namin,"  Dela Cruz said. "Now, ipinakita nila kung paano maglaro ang Tigers."

Ferrer finished with 18 points and six rebounds while Abdul had 16 points, six boards and three assists for the Tigers, who will next face winless Adamson University.

Lao provided a big lift off the bench and posted 14 points, getting more on-court time than regular starter Aljon Mariano, who was limited to four points on 1/6 shooting.

"Maganda yung laro ni Kent Lao kaya kailangan kong ibalik," added Dela Cruz. "Si Aljon, andun siya pero mas kailangan ko si Kent Lao."

Belo led all scorers with 19 points, six rebounds and four assists while Mike Tolomia scored 14, but both Tamaraws had five turnovers apiece as FEU fell to 1-1.

The scores:

UST (69) — Ferrer 18, Abdul 16, Lao 14, Subido 6, Daquioag 5, Mariano 4, Vigil 4, Sheriff 2, Basibas 0, Gayosa 0, Lo 0, Pe 0

FEU (67) — Belo 19, Tolomia 14, Escoto 8, Hargrove 8, Tamsi 5, Inigo 5, Cruz 4, Jose 2, Dennison 2, Delfinado 0, Pogoy 0, Denila 0, Escoto 0, David 0

Quarters: 12-13, 31-26, 53-50, 69-67