Dwight Ramos finds positives despite Gilas Pilipinas’ 2OT loss

Gilas Pilipinas’ Dwight Ramos in action during a game vs New Zealand in the Fiba World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers in Auckland. –FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—There was no shortage of pride for Dwight Ramos despite Gilas Pilipinas’ biggest heartbreak yet in the 2027 Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

On Friday at Spark Arena in New Zealand, Gilas absorbed a double-overtime loss to the home team, 106-102, but the way the Filipinos battled gave Ramos plenty of reasons to keep his head up.

“It was a good game but it’s so tough when you lose that close,” Ramos said. “That’s especially when we had some chances to win but we let it go.”

“I’m still very proud of the team because we came here and played against one of the top teams in the world.”

Ramos fouled out late in the first overtime, but not before making his presence felt.

The Levanga Hokkaido import finished with 18 points, four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal in 37 grueling minutes for Gilas.

His effort, however, wasn’t enough as the Philippines dropped to 2-3 in the qualifiers. Still, Ramos took pride in the way Gilas fought until the final buzzer.

“We were right there, we never gave up despite being down so it was a great game.”

“I’m just proud of the team.”