Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas was so close to making a comeback against New Zealand, with Dwight Ramos taking charge.But the hometown heroes ultimately fell short, absorbing a 69-66 defeat at the hands of the Tall Blacks in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.<div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/2/26/fiba-gilas-falls-to-new-zealand-absorbs-1st-defeat-in-wc-asian-qualifiers-2124">READ: FIBA: Gilas falls to New Zealand, absorbs 1st defeat in WC Asian Qualifiers</a></div>Ramos tried to take things into his own hands, uncorking a personal five-point run on two baskets under the last minute. First, a heart-stopping triple that put Gilas within two, 66-64, right after big men AJ Edu and Quentin Millora-Brown drained baskets; another, a second-chance layup that resuscitated the Nationals after Calvin Oftana&#x27;s miss, 68-66.When New Zealand&#x27;s Reuben Te Rangi missed his last free throw, the door kept open for Gilas. As Ramos dribbled down the ball, with the time ticking down, seven seconds left, he had to try a Hail Mary from the logo. However his shot only hit the board and the ring, as Gilas&#x27; hopes faded away when the buzzer rang.Ramos rued his opportunities—not just the potential game-tying triple, but all the shots he bricked throughout the game.<div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/2/26/fiba-no-consolation-for-cone-after-gilas-narrow-heartbreak-vs-new-zealand-2233">READ: FIBA: No consolation for Cone after Gilas’ narrow heartbreak vs. New Zealand </a></div>&quot;It&#x27;s kind of tough because I missed a lot of shots. Obviously, I missed the last shot. I feel bad. I wish I was better today,&quot; said Ramos, who led the team with 16 points, although he shot on a 6-of-21 clip.Acknowledging that it was a close game, Ramos underscored the importance of maximizing each play and possession they get.&quot;Hopefully, we all learn. It&#x27;s a close game. Every possession counts. I&#x27;m just trying to be better,&quot; he said.Ramos and company aim to rebound against Australia on Sunday, hoping to defend home turf this time.&quot;Right now, all I can think about is my mistakes. I feel bad, but I gotta move on to the next game,&quot; the Levanga Hokkado baller added.

Gilas Pilipinas was so close to making a comeback against New Zealand, with Dwight Ramos taking charge. #FIBAWC

Gilas Pilipinas was so close to making a comeback against New Zealand, with Dwight Ramos taking charge. #FIBAWC

Dwight Ramos rues missed shots, including potential game-tying trey: 'I wish I was better today'

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Dwight Ramos rues missed shots, including potential game-tying trey: 'I wish I was better today'

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

Published Feb 26, 2026 11:31 PM PHT

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Updated Feb 27, 2026 01:06 AM PHT

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basketball

Dwight Ramos

FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

Gilas Pilipinas

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