It was just three months ago when Dwight Ramos and Thirdy Ravena were going at each other in the B.League.
Coming off a 92-77 win over San-En last November 13, Toyama was looking for a weekend sweep.
The NeoPhoenix though had other plans.
The Grouses were clinging to an 88-90 lead with 0.6 seconds left. Ravena was able to fish a foul against Bryce Johnson that sent him to the charity stripe.
The second generation cager made his first free throw but missed the second giving Toyama the win.
Out of frustration, Ravena sobbed on the corner and had to be comforted by Ramos.
Photo from @rosso_uccello
A few months later, both Ravena and Ramos are back home. Along with former B.League import Juan Gomez de Liano, they are playing for one team in Gilas.
Speaking for the trio, Ramos said that they are relishing every single moment of it.
“It felt good, all of us had our experience in Japan,” he expressed.
“We’re really happy to come back and play for the national team so it was great being out there with them and seeing us get the win together.”
The trio delivered the goods during Gilas’ 88-64 win over India in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Ramos led the way with 17 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting clip with four rebounds, three assists, and a steal.
(C) Paul Ryan Tan/FIBA Asia
Ravena, meanwhile, produced 15 points, three assists, and a rebound.
(C) Paul Ryan Tan/FIBA Asia
Gomez de Liano also had an all-around outing with three points, four rebounds, and three assists.
(C) Paul Ryan Tan/FIBA Asia
And they are looking to do the same come their game against New Zealand on Sunday.
Of course, they want a win before they return to Japan.
“I thought it was a great team effort,” said Ramos. “I saw everyone trying to get everyone involved, especially towards the end so we’re just going to keep building, keep practicing. It was a good practice for us, our first game together.
“We just have to get back to it and prepare for New Zealand.”
Ramos and Ravena will once again be on opposing ends on April 9 and 10 as Toyama and San-En square off again.
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All Group A games of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers will stream live on GigaPlay. Download it now on Android or IOS.
The second game of each playdate is also livestreamed on SMART Sports.
