GILAS Pilipinas Women closed their 2026 FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament campaign with a 79-75 victory over Senegal on Friday (Philippine time) in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The win gave newly appointed head coach Burke Toews his first triumph with the Philippine national team, although it was not enough to send the Filipinas into the knockout stage.
The Philippines took control late in the third quarter as Vanessa De Jesus and Sophia Dignadice helped build an 11-point advantage. Senegal, however, refused to go away and mounted a comeback in the final period.
Ndioma Kane’s jumper with 2:36 remaining cut the Philippine lead to two points, putting Gilas under pressure once again.
This time, the Gilas Women responded immediately. Kacey Dela Rosa knocked down a crucial three-pointer on the ensuing possession to restore a five-point cushion and give the Philippines some breathing room.
Gilas managed the closing minutes well before Jack Animam split two free throws with 13 seconds left, effectively securing the victory.
De Jesus, Dignadice and Dela Rosa led the Philippine offense with 16 points apiece. Animam contributed 14 points, while Jhazmin Joson added nine.
Despite the victory, the Philippines finished third in Group B after earlier defeats to host Mexico and world No. 7 Canada. Only the top two teams from each group advanced to the next round.
With their Pre-OQT campaign over, the Filipinas will now shift their attention to the 2026 Asian Games in Japan next month. (Adrian Co)
