Kevin Ferrer vs Ronald Pascual. PBA D-LEAGUE/Nuki Sabio file photo
MANILA, Philippines — Not even a bad ankle could stop Kevin Ferrer from making his presence felt for Blackwater.
Ferrer, whose right ankle is still sore after spraining it in Game 2 of their semifinals series with Boracay Rum last Thursday, scored 11 points but more importantly had four steals, two of which came down the stretch that helped the Elite nip the Waves, 82-74, for the last PBA D-League Finals slot Tuesday.
“Medyo masakit pa pero hindi ko na iniintindi yung sakit. Iniisip ko last game na so kailangan ko na ibuhos lahat,” the six-foot-four Ferrer told INQUIRER.net.
“Tingin ko yung interception ni Kevin Ferrer yung key sa laro na naging limang puntos yung lamang namin and from then on we held on and preserved that victory,” said Blackwater coach Leo Isaac of Ferrer’s crucial steal in the final two minutes and 16 seconds of the game.
“Saludo ako sa bata, may puso,” Isaac added.
Isaac also said that Ferrer only had two days of practice after spraining his ankle.
But those couple of days proved to be enough time for Ferrer as he hardly looked bothered by his injury.
“Pag nagkakamali ako ng step sumasakit pa talaga pero hinayaan ko na, naglaro na lang talaga ako at dumepensa,” said Ferrer, whose second steal late in the game led to a pair of free throws that gave his team a 78-74 cushion with only 49.4 ticks left.