Dwight Ramos expressed appreciation for Gilas Pilipinas' sixth man — the Filipino crowd — in their match against New Zealand in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
Dwight Ramos credited the Filipino crowd as the fuel in Gilas Pilipinas' second-half uprising against New Zealand in the FIBA Asia Cup at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Friday, Aug. 8.
Though the Nationals lost, 86-94, they put up a fight as they nearly erased an 18-point lead by closing in within three, 82-85, in the fourth period.
“I think the crowd definitely plays a big part, especially when we’re making a run,” said Ramos.
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“It just feels like the arena is about to explode because it's full of Filipinos.”
The Filipinos cheered their fellowmen on as they stood unfazed despite the tall order, with Justin Brownlee leading their charge.
[RELATED STORY: Brownlee on Gilas' loss to New Zealand in Asia Cup: 'I still like the fight in our guys']
Brownlee knocked down a three-pointer to allow Gilas to threaten at 82-85 with 3:47 left to play.
The naturalized Filipino erupted for 37 points on 12-for-19 shooting he topped with five boards, three assists and one steal.
But New Zealand's Taylor Britt took matters into his own hands and scored six points to finish off Gilas.
The Kiwis joined Chinese Taipei in the driver's seat of Group D with their similar 2-0 records.
Still, Ramos found solace in the fact that the Filipino crowd will back them up no matter what.
“Shotout to them. They’re part of the reason we came back,” Ramos said.