Kevin Ferrer took the blame after NorthPort absorbed its first defeat in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup at the hands of Magnolia, Wednesday.
The veteran forward had a chance to break the 77-all deadlock after being sent to the foul line with 27.8 seconds left, but failed to do so as he clanked both of his free throws, giving the Hotshots enough time to take the match.
The opposition went on to make them pay dearly as Rome Dela Rosa drilled the go-ahead three with six seconds left. The Batang Pier lost, 77-80.
“Take ko ‘yung blame sa akin talaga,” the 29-year-old said moments after the match at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Crucial free throws ‘yon. Sa akin ‘yun.”
It was an off-day overall for Ferrer, who only finished with three points on 1-of-5 shooting from the field after being a big factor in their 2-0 start. There, he registered 15 points each against Rain or Shine and Terrafirma.
As tough as it was, his teammates’ confidence in him did not waver. Arwind Santos himself continues to trust Ferrer in endgame situations.
“Andito kami,” the 41-year-old said of what he told Ferrer. “Kahit dumating ang time na kailangan namin mamimili ng magfi-free throw diyan, ikaw pa rin dadalhin namin diyan. Naniniwala kami sa’yo. Next game, bawi tayo.”
Ferrer couldn’t be thankful enough to have the support of NorthPort despite the missed shots. And so, he’s making it a point to repay such by being better.
“Next game, babawi ako,” the UST product vowed. “Hindi naman matatapos ‘yung career ko na ganun, ‘di naman made-define ‘yung character ko sa ganun e. I’ll take the challenge. Pag-iigihan ko. Mage-extra work ako sa training, siyempre.
“Focus ako sa mga crucial part na ‘yan. And as a veteran din, kailangan move on. ‘Di ko papatagalin. Kailangan ko ipakita rin sa mga bata na kailangan mag-move on, mag-extra and ‘yun.”
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