Gilas Pilipinas Women beat Senegal, end FIBA Women's Pre-OQT run on a high note

The Gilas Pilipinas Women’s campaign in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament ended on a high note after a 79-75 victory over Senegal on Thursday (Friday, Philippine time) in Guadalajara, Mexico.

After a tight opening frame, the Gilas Women ended the first half with a 39-35 advantage before pulling away in the second half. The Philippines took a 61-50 lead by the end of the third quarter after making a 15-0 run to close out the frame.

Senegal fought back in the fourth period, trimming the deficit to 76-73 with less than two minutes left. Kacey Dela Rosa then extended the Philippines’ lead with a basket. Nogaye Diagne answered with a basket of her own, but Jack Animam’s split free throws off a Sabou Gueye foul sealed the victory for the national women’s team.

“I said yesterday when we were talking about being completely dominated in every category, despite that, I thought that our defense was getting better,” Gilas Pilipinas Women head coach BT Toews said, adding that their shooting also went well in the game.

Dela Rosa had 16 points, five rebounds, and three steals, while Vanessa De Jesus added 16 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and two steals. Sophia Dignadice also scored 16 points, along with four assists and a rebound, while Animam finished with 14 points, three rebounds, and two steals.

Cierra Dillard led Senegal with 25 points, while Khadija Faye and Ndioma Kane had 14 points apiece.

The Philippines wrapped up its campaign with one win and two losses, while Group B’s top two teams, Canada and Mexico, advanced to the next round.

The FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament is only one of the pathways to securing a ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, as FIBA’s continental championships will also allot slots to the Summer Games.

—JKC, GMA News