Dwight Ramos topscores for Gilas Pilipinas in their opening win in the Doha International Cup against host Qatar.
Gilas Pilipinas overcame a nine-point deficit and came through with a 74-71 win against Qatar in the Doha International Cup Saturday, Feb. 15 (Manila time).
Dwight Ramos led with 15 points as the Nationals made a triumphant debut in the pocket tournament.
Ramos dropped four points in the final 3:23, including the basket with 1:42 left to play that gave the team a 72-69 lead.
[RELATED STORY: What you need to know when Gilas plays in Doha ahead of FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers]
Scottie Thompson then completely shut the door on the host team after canning two free throws with 16.7 ticks remaining.
June Mar Fajardo put up 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block, while Scottie Thompson added 10 points.
AJ Edu logged his first game under head coach Tim Cone and came away with six points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a block.
Justin Brownlee, who collected 10 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals, finished with an emphatic flush off an Edu assist for the lead, 70-69, before Ramos and Thompson put the finishing touches to the victory.
Michael Lewis had the chance to tie the game, but his last-ditch attempt from the three-point area bounced off.
Tyler Harris paced Qatar with 17 points, while Lewis churned out 15 points, two rebounds and an assist.
Gilas will next face Lebanon on Feb. 15 at 11 p.m. (Manila time)