One constant thing for Gilas Pilipinas in the ongoing 2025 FIBA Asia Cup has been the unwavering support of the Filipino crowd.

This was especially evident during their game against Iraq, where the energy from the Filipino faithful -- mostly overseas workers from Saudi Arabia and nearly Middle Eastern countries -- fueled the Nationals’ second half breakaway.

"Our crowd really elevates our game," said Gilas head coach Tim Cone following the team’s 66-57 victory that qualified them to the knockout rounds.

"When we start playing well and they start, like Dwight hits a shot, they go crazy. He comes down, hits another shot, they go crazier. So that really lifts the spirit that we have," he added.

Gilas fans even turned the King Abdullah Sports City into the Nationals' homecourt when the Filipino crowd turned on their flashlights and waved it into the air in between timeouts.

The same level and enthusiasm and support is what Gilas hopes to receive once again in their clash against the hosts for a quarterfinals berth being played early Tuesday, Aug. 12.

"It's an amazing thing. And we experienced that back home. We experienced that basically everywhere we go in the world. And it's just such a unique thing to our team and to our country and to our culture," Cone said.

He, however, admitted that with the Filipinos coming in droves and spending their hard-earned money to watch Gilas plays, somehow put pressure on the national team.

"It's two-pronged. In other words, we also feel the pressure because we want to satisfy our crowd so much. They're evident there. And sometimes we get a little tight and don't play as free and easy," Cone said.

The veteran mentor, however, stressed that Gilas only needs to use that as a motivation instead.

"We've got to learn how to get over that as a group. But when we start getting things going, it really elevates the game of everybody," he said.