Kevin Ferrer Nuki Sabio file photo
MANILA, Philippines — A fractured cheek bone forced University of Santo Tomas’ Kevin Ferrer to wear a protective mask during games for the next one to two months.
Ferrer debuted the mask in the Tigers’ 67-77 setback to Far Eastern University on Sunday in the UAAP season 76 men’s basketball tournament, and it was nothing but uncomfortable.
“Mainit sa mukha atsaka makapit,” described the lanky forward of the experience. He was seen removing it every chance he could, like during timeouts, during the game.
Ferrer even had difficulty talking during an interview with the reporters after the game at the Mall of Asia because his face was numb, he said.
Ferrer took a solid elbow to the face from Ralf Olivares in UST’s 88-77 win over University of the East more than a week ago.
The mask, which was solid black in color with yellow straps, is made of carbon fiber and covers more than half of his face.
Ferrer finished with 18 points but misfired on all four three-point attempts as the Tigers dropped to 3-2.
“Kinulang lang kami sa tao kasi madami wala. Parang napagod lang. Hirap din ng wala si Jeric Teng kasi nakaka-score siya ng 15 points, malaking kawalan yun,” Ferrer said.