The visitors managed a game-high 30 points in that quarter, while limiting the hosts to nine, to turn a four-point half-time lead into a 25-point advantage. The rest is history.

“[Our fans are] such an advantage that we have over a lot of other teams … wherever we go, there’s always support,” the 66-year-old from Oregon added.

“I just don’t think the fans really understand what a difference that makes when you’re on the floor and you hear the crowd cheering and roaring – it really builds your momentum.”

Despite being visibly outnumbered in the stands, Hong Kong’s head coach Chiu Wing-leung insisted his team felt the presence of their fans, too.

“I knew a lot of fans were watching online or on television,” he said. “I wouldn’t think we lost our home-court advantage despite them having more fans in the arena.

“The players worked hard and were determined to bring a good game to their fans.”

Hong Kong’s star centre Duncan Reid felt the scoreline offered his side some encouragement given the issues surrounding the team. They were short of personnel and training sessions after injuries, retirements, players opting out and lack of adequate medical insurance.

“I am proud of our performance,” said the 34-year-old, one of the four home players to chip in double-digit points.

“The Philippines are tough opponents and we played extremely well in the first half. For sure, we can do better in the second half. I hope we can continue to improve after this game.”

It was not only home spectators who showed their appreciation. Visiting coach Cone also praised a trio of Hong Kong starters.

“Oliver Xu played very well,” he said. “Leung Shiu-wah, I kept saying during all the video we were watching, he was their best player and we had to watch for him – and he still had 12 points at half-time. Those two really stood out for us.

“And Ricky Yang, he’s really physical, he really gets at you and he was trying to create a lot of contact and we had to be strong against him. Those three guys are really good players.”