MANILA, Philippines — Dwight Ramos credited Australia’s relentless defensive pressure after Gilas Pilipinas suffered a 92-49 loss to the Boomers on Monday in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers, ending the first round with a 2-4 record.
Australia forced Gilas into 19 turnovers, converting them into 30 points to pull away in the matchup in Perth.
“Australia had amazing pressure up the court, giving us trouble,” Ramos said after the game. “It was very difficult. We had a lot of turnovers in the backcourt and then when we were able to get across halfcourt, shot clock was low, forced us to bad shots. Obviously throughout the game it wears us down.”
He added that Australia’s defense disrupted Gilas’ offensive rhythm and decision-making.
“Obviously, the efficiency of our offense goes down with all that pressure. And also the decision making, so it’s credit to their defense. It really made us struggle today,” Ramos said.
Ramos led Gilas with nine points but shot just 4-of-16 from the field while also handling point guard duties against Australia’s defensive pressure.
“I was taking the ball up, trying to initiate the offense and at the same time guarding Tyrese Proctor. Tough matchup, he’s a good player,” Ramos said.
“I struggled a little bit on offense but that’s because of Australia’s defense and I just got to get better moving forward.”
The loss capped Gilas Pilipinas’ first-round campaign in the Asian Qualifiers with a 2-4 record.
