Dwight Ramos leads Gilas Pilipinas past Taiwan Mustangs in a tune-up game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—The home crowd inside the Philsports Arena fueled Dwight Ramos to help Gilas Pilipinas fend off a pesky Taiwan Mustangs in their tune-up game en route to the Fiba 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
With a capacity crowd cheering the Nationals in Pasig on Monday, Ramos showcased his talents for Gilas and powered the Philippines to a 74-64 win over the Mustangs.
“It’s always been great every time the game is in the Philippines,” said the Japan B.League Filipino import. “It always gets packed out and it’s always so fun to play here.”
READ: Gilas Pilipinas beats Taiwan Mustangs in tune-up before OQT
With the crowd solely behind Ramos and Gilas, the Ateneo product led the game in scoring with 19 points plus four steals and three rebounds to match in 26 minutes of action.
OH, YOU MISSED THAT?
Justin Brownlee hits a three-ball and his signature celebration; throwing a kiss to the crowd.
Gilas lead 54-39 over Taiwan, with 2:31 to go in the third. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/nManYRaTJr
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) June 24, 2024
Ramos also flaunted his offensive prowess, sinking seven of his 11 tries from the field for a blistering 63 percent shooting clip.
The latest win is only just the beginning for Gilas Pilipinas and Ramos, who are looking to make a good account of themselves in the OQT.
READ: Dwight Ramos likes current ‘bigger’ Gilas team
“I think the next two tune-up games will be a bigger test for us. This was still a good test for us, especially having a big dude and a lot of good imports.”
“Every game is good practice for us.”
Before Gilas’ quest in Latvia syart July 3, it is set set for two more tune-up games as preparation.
Coach Tim Cone and company fly to Europe on Tuesday for a two-game stretch against Turkey and Poland, respectively.