Gilas Pilipinas guard Dwight Ramos expressed his appreciation for the team’s determination and fighting spirit despite suffering a hard-fought double-overtime loss against New Zealand in a recent international basketball matchup.

The game, which formed part of the buildup and competition framework for FIBA-related tournaments, showcased intense back-and-forth action between both squads, with Gilas pushing one of their toughest opponents to the limit before ultimately falling short in extended play.

Despite the result, Ramos highlighted the positive aspects of the team's performance, emphasizing their resilience, effort, and refusal to back down even when faced with a physically demanding and high-pressure situation.

He noted that matches like these are crucial for the team’s growth, especially as they continue preparing for upcoming international competitions where experience against strong global opponents is essential.

Gilas Pilipinas demonstrated strong defensive stands and timely scoring runs that kept them competitive throughout regulation and both overtime periods.However, New Zealand managed to capitalize on key possessions in the closing moments, securing the win after a tightly contested finish.

Ramos’ comments reflect a broader team mindset focused on development rather than just results, underscoring how closely contested games against elite teams help build chemistry, confidence, and composure under pressure.

The match serves as another learning experience for Gilas as they aim to improve their standing in the FIBA circuit and strengthen their roster cohesion moving forward.