UST’s graduating star Tantoy Ferrer named women’s Finals MVP

Graduating Tantoy Ferrer was named UAAP Season 86 Finals MVP after leading University of Santo Tomas to its first title in 17 years.

The Growling Tigresses hacked out a hard-earned 71-69 Game 3 victory to take down seven-time National University Lady Bulldogs’ empire in the women’s tournament on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 24-year-old forward can’t help but recall her decision to return to UST after recovering from an ACL injury she sustained in the Season 84 women’s 3×3 tournament in 2022.

Ferrer hurt her left knee in the semifinals of said tournament also against NU that caused her to sit out the following season.

Now going out with a deserved title, Ferrer was hailed the championship series’ best player after averaging 15.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals in three games.

“Bonus na lang ‘yan sa akin. Gusto ko kasi championship bago ako umalis, gusto ko mabigyan ko si coach ng isa. Sa wakas may bonus kasi ako ‘yung na-awardan ng Finals MVP. Sobrang thankful ako,” said Ferrer.

The Season 81 Rookie of the Year was even under the weather in Game 2 that saw the Growling Tigresses succumbed to the Lady Bulldogs which tied the series.

Ferrer was supposed to be sent to the Emergency Room, but she opted to rest for one day in the campus dorm and returned to practice the following day.

“Paiba iba kasi ‘yung panahon. Ang dami sa amin may sakit at nilalagnat din talaga ako noong second game. Parang first quarter pa lang sa Game 2, nawala na ako,” she said.

“Siyempre pag masama pakiramdam mo, may time na nawawala ka na rin eh. Ang ganda kasi after ng second game namin nung natalo kami, idadala [dapat] agad ako sa ER para i-IV kaso ayaw ko kasi gusto ko pahinga na lang kaya sa dorm na lang namin. Nag-rest muna ako ng one day tapos the day after balik ako ng training.”

Although Ferrer’s 5-on-5 collegiate career has ended, she will return to the court for UST in the 3×3 event next year in May before officially bidding farewell to the league.