Yet, far from crumbling, the team has found strength in unity—fueled not just by grit on the court, but by the thunderous presence of thousands of traveling supporters who have turned the arena in Limassol into a home away from home.
Now, after a stunning 80-77 victory over a top-tier opponent, they stand one win away from making history—and fulfilling a long-held promise to the fans who never stopped believing.
"They’ve been with us every second. When we’re down, they lift us. When we’re tired, they push us. Honestly, they’ve been the best version of us lately."
— Team captain, center position
On the fourth day of Group C action, the Dragons stunned a heavily favored team in front of a roaring crowd, improving their record to 2-2 and keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the Round of 16.
The win was hard-earned—a back-and-forth battle that came down to the final possession. But throughout the game, one constant stood out: the sea of red and gold in the stands, singing from tip-off to the final buzzer.
“It’s hard to describe what it feels like to look up and see thousands of your people so far from home, still giving everything,” said the team’s starting point guard. “They didn’t come here because we were winning. They came because they believe in us. And that belief? It gives us energy we can’t get from sleep or food.”
The fans—affectionately called the “Sixth Dragon” by players and staff—have followed the team across borders, many sacrificing time and money just to wave a flag and chant a name.
“We’ve had ups and downs on the court,” admitted the veteran forward. “But one thing never changes: when the game starts, those people are louder than the scoreboard. They deserve more than just effort. They deserve results.”
For decades, the Dragons have chased the same goal: advancing past the group stage at a major tournament. Despite flashes of brilliance, they’ve fallen short in each of their last nine appearances—always close, never quite there.
But this year feels different.
“This group has heart,” said the team’s coach. “And when heart meets belief—especially the kind of belief our fans show—it can change destinies.”
The team now faces a winner-takes-all clash against a strong opponent in their final group game—a match that will determine who claims the last ticket to the Final Phase in Riga.
And the fans? They’re already planning the trip.
"They’ve earned the right to see us go further. Not just for one night. For the whole journey."
— Veteran forward
“We know what’s at stake,” said the point guard. “I’ve already heard from friends back home—people booking flights, organizing buses. I know they’ll be there. And we owe it to them to make sure there’s a ‘there’ to go to.”
There’s also a deeper motivation: the absent star who helped carry the team through qualifying but couldn’t make the final tournament due to medical reasons.
Averaging over 22 points and five assists in the qualifiers, his absence has been felt in every close game. But rather than weaken the team, his absence has become a rallying cry.
“It’s tough,” said the captain. “He’s not just a player. He’s family. But he told us, ‘Go win it for all of us.’ So that’s what we’re doing. We’re carrying him with us.”
"We fight for each other. And we fight for them."
— Team captain
The players speak of Riga not as a dream destination, but as a goal within reach. They imagine stepping onto that next stage—not just as competitors, but as representatives of every fan who’s waited decades for a breakthrough.
And if they make it?
They won’t be going alone.
Game Recap:
Dragons roar late to upset top seed in Limassol thriller
Sep 2, 2025
With everything on the line, one thing is certain: win or lose, the Dragons have already found something rare—a team and its people, moving as one.
FIBA
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