HEARTBROKEN. Kevin Ferrer covers his face moments after University of Santo Tomas’ 67-62 loss to Far Eastern University in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 78 men’s basketball Finals Wednesday night at Mall of Asia Arena. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Kevin Ferrer hid his face behind his hands as he wept.
Like his former teammates that had served as University of Santo Tomas’ captains before him, Ferrer’s final UAAP game ended in tears after coming so close to a championship.
In 2012, it was Jeric Fortuna, the lionhearted Tiger, crouching down in the face of dejection in Game 2 after dropping two close games and yielding the title to Ateneo.
Jeric Fortuna served as UST’s skipper in his final year in 2012. August dela Cruz/INQUIRER
A year later, Jeric Teng, the eagle-eyed Tiger who has a knack for hitting big shots, was brought down to his knees in his lowest of lows after La Salle had ruined what could have been UST’s crowning moment.
Jeric Teng breaks out into tears after UST’s loss in Game 3 of the UAAP Finals to La Salle in 2013. August dela Cruz/INQUIRER
On Wednesday night, Ferrer, left his own lasting image of him sitting on the bench with his hands covering his face as Far Eastern University celebrated its first title in 10 years in front of him.
“I feel really emotional because this is my last year,” said Ferrer.
Despite failing to deliver, Ferrer was greeted with the most recognizable cheer in Philippine collegiate basketball on his way to the team bus.
The loud thumping of the drums with the most passionate fans in the UAAP cheering “Go Uste!” somehow eased Ferrer’s and the rest of the valiant Growling Tigers’ latest heartache.
“Now, I’m just enjoying the moment because this is my last,” he said as Thomasians continued to cheer.
With six points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and three turnovers in 39 minutes, his final game obviously wasn’t his best, but being UST’s heart and soul, his presence and leadership on the floor alone made him invaluable.
He faded into the background as Mac Belo made the grandest stage his own with 23 points and eight rebounds while battling through cramps and was deservingly named Finals MVP.
But make no mistake, this loss wasn’t on him. Ferrer, labeled as co-MVP by Kiefer Ravena, led the Growling Tigers to the finals and without his grandiose Game 2, there wouldn’t be an epic Game 3.
“I have no regrets. I fought for UST and whatever’s the result, I’m okay with that,” Ferrer said. “We did our best and if this is our destiny, then we’re okay with this. This is really what God has planned for us.”
Ferrer’s journey doesn’t end here. At only 22 with his combination of size and skill, he has the tools to make it big.
“My career doesn’t end here and all my mistakes, I’ll definitely improve and learn from it.”
Ferrer played in his final UAAP game and up to his very last moment as captain, the proud Growling Tiger huddled his team.
“I thank each and everyone of them. I reminded those who are still going to be part of the team next season to really fight for UST’s pride and our school.”