Hard work pays off for UST’s Ferrer

MANILA, Philippines – UST breakout star Kevin Ferrer credited hard work for his scintillating performance in the Growling Tigers' 73-72 Game 1 win over La Salle in the finals of the 76th UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

Ferrer, who racked up 20 points, including five triples, said the effort he puts in training is finally paying off after struggling for most of the elimination round.

"Sobrang saya ko ngayon kasi gumagana na yung training sa shooting ko, pero extra work pa din and keep on practicing pa din ako," said the third-year forward, who has upped his scoring average to 17.3 points in the last three games.

Ferrer also hit a magnificent top-of-the-key triple with 41.6 seconds left after executing a perfect crossover dribble to elude his defender and DLSU star Jeron Teng.

"Malaki kumpiyansa ko nung tinira ko yung three points na yun, kasi maganda talaga release ko. Masaya talaga ako at pumasok," said the gangly Ferrer.

Game 2 is on Saturday at the same venue, and Ferrer promised they will do their best to annex their first crown since 2006.

"Hindi na namin papakawalan yung next game. Ayaw namin matalo. Kukunin na namin itong Sabado ang panalo," said Ferrer.

"Experience pa din ang papairalin namin. Di pa tapos yung series. Kailangan namin mag-focus ulit at wag muna mag-saya," he added.