Gilas Pilipinas trailed by at least 15 points in the first half of their first two games in the FIBA Asia Cup. Stronger second halves couldn’t pull them out of the hole.
Amid a 0-2 start, Dwight Ramos shared his insights on Gilas Pilipinas’ struggles so far in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
“At the beginning of the games, we’re coming out, we know what we’re supposed to do, but we’re still shell-shocked,” the 26-year-old guard said after the Philippines’ 94-86 loss to New Zealand in their latest outing.
[ALSO READ: Though surprised at 0-2 FIBA Asia Cup skid, Tim Cone says 'tournament’s not over' for Gilas]
It has been the same slow start — twice in three days — that has emerged as one of the Nationals’ lingering hurdles.
Against Chinese Taipei, Gilas fell behind by as many as 17 points in the first quarter as Chen Ying-Chun poured in 17 of his 34 points before halftime.
[ALSO READ: Gilas Pilipinas bow to Chinese Taipei in FIBA Asia Cup 2025 opener]
Two days later, New Zealand played the role of early tormentor, building an 18-point cushion and racing to a 55-41 halftime lead.
[ALSO READ: Gilas Pilipinas fall to New Zealand, go 0-2 in Group D of FIBA Asia Cup 2025]
Then, there’s Gilas’ lackluster effort defending the three-point line combined with their own struggles to make a shot from deep.
Chen drained six of Taiwan’s 12 total triples in their 95-87 win, while Gilas managed to hit just eight of 28 from deep.
[ALSO READ: Chinese Taipei coach Gianluca Tucci satisfied after win over ‘more experienced’ Gilas Pilipinas]
The Tall Blacks were even hotter, burying nine of their first 15 attempts from long range in a blistering start of their own.
Though Gilas allowed only four more threes from New Zealand in the second half, their shooting woes continued — except for Justin Brownlee.
Brownlee knocked down seven of his 12 tries from beyond the arc, but the rest of the team combined for a dismal 2-of-16.
Through two games, Gilas has surrendered a combined 25 three-pointers and 38 fast-break points, while shooting just 30.4 percent from deep and averaging 11.5 turnovers.
“We know they’re going to shoot threes, we know they’re going to play fast. We already knew that, but they still did it,” Ramos said.
[ALSO READ: Dwight Ramos credits Pinoy fans in Gilas' 2nd half surge vs New Zealand in FIBA Asia Cup]
Still, the Gilas mainstay found reason for optimism in the team’s inspired play after halftime in both losses — something he hopes will carry over into their must-win game against Iraq on Saturday, August 9.
“In the second half, we were playing the way we’re supposed to. I’m just hoping we carry this momentum into the next game,” Ramos expressed.
[ALSO READ: Gilas Pilipinas figure in must-win game vs Iraq with FIBA Asia Cup 2025 survival at stake]