IN Saint Dwight we trust.
Gilas Pilipinas rode on the hot hands of Dwight Ramos to pull off an all-important win against Iraq, 66-57, and a place in the playoffs of the 31st FIBA Asia Cup.
Ramos unloaded 12 of his game-high 21 points in the second half to spearhead the Filipinos’ third quarter breakaway that proved to be the difference in the team’s first win in the continental meet after losing its first two assignments against Chinese Taipei and new Zealnd.
READ: Gilas finally gets one, beats Iraq to stay alive in FIBA Asia Cup
The 26-year-old Fil-Am shot 7-of-14 from the field including 3-of-7 from the three-point region, grabbed five rebounds, and a steal in yet another impressive showing for the Philippine team’s most consistent performer so far in the meet.
Ramos admitted the win was a confidence booster for Gilas, whose slow start against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand cost them the game.
“We needed that win to give us confidence. We were feeling down a little bit. You know, last couple of games, we’ve been losing,” said the Japan B. League veteran.
"This one kind of rises our spirits.”
Coach Tim Cone lauded Ramos for carrying the load for Gilas amidst the shooting struggle of naturalized player Justin Brownlee during the game.
The veteran coach said the West Covina, California native was quick to play off Brownlee, who draws so much attention from the opponents’ defense.
“So we have to continue to learn how to use him (Brownlee) when they’re denying him because that means they’re not in a position to help. When they’re double-teaming him in the post or when he’s setting the ball screen, they don’t want to leave him or we set a ball screen for him,” said Cone.
“And there are times when we’re going to get open because of that. Guys just go to step up and this guy (Ramos) did. He just got to step up and hit shots.”
The win avoided an early exit for Gilas, which seemed poise at meeting host Saudi Arabia in the playoffs to determine the four other teams which will advance in the quarterfinals.
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