Nestor Garcia, who coaches Karl-Anthony Towns and the Dominican Republic, was in awe of the massive 38,115 crowd that packed the Philippine Arena Friday night.

After his team posted a hard-earned 87-81 win over Gilas Pilipinas, Garcia praised the audience for their love for the sport.

"Unbelievable. The crowd was amazing. The fans are educated people. I say congratulations to the crowd because they are unbelievable," Garcia said.

"The fans supported their team and they respected my team," he added.

Towns, who got a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds, had nothing but love for the crowd as visiting the Philippines was one of the things he had long wanted to do.

"It's amazing. You know, I've never been here. I've told everyone I was dying to come out here, I didn't know it would be through basketball. So, super excited to be here. The fans have been nothing but amazing to us," Towns said.

"The people are amazing. I've grown up with one of my best friends who is heavy into the Philippine culture, born here in General Santos City. I'm very very proud to be a Dominican to be here with a win but also being very proud to meet all the fans here, all the great fans here in the Philippines, and be able to tell them salamat, Mabuhay."