GILAS Pilipinas Women were dealt a major blow in their bid to advance in the FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament after falling to Canada, 85-38, on Thursday morning (Philippine time) in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The seventh-ranked Canadians controlled the game from start to finish, limiting the Philippines to only four points in the opening quarter and building a massive 23-4 advantage.
The Philippines never recovered from the slow start as Canada maintained its defensive pressure and pulled further away throughout the contest.
Jack Animam led Gilas Women with 11 points, eight rebounds and four assists, while Vanessa De Jesus added nine points and five rebounds but committed seven turnovers.
Kacey Dela Rosa chipped in eight points and five rebounds, although she struggled offensively, making just three of her 12 attempts from the field.
Canada dominated the battle for rebounds, 63-26, including 26 offensive boards that generated 21 second-chance points. The Canadians also forced 23 turnovers and converted those mistakes into 26 points.
Syla Swords paced Canada with 15 points, while Jasmine Bascoe posted 10 points, four assists and three rebounds. Cearah Parchment, Shaina Pellington and Agot Makeer each scored nine points.
Canada improved to 2-0 and secured a place in the semifinals, while the Philippines dropped to 0-2. They will conclude the group stage against Senegal on Friday morning (Philippine time).
