GILAS Pilipinas Women surrendered a 10-point fourth-quarter advantage and fell to host Mexico, 61-58, in the opening game of the 2026 FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament on Monday night (Tuesday in the Philippines) at Arena Astros in Guadalajara, Mexico
The Philippines appeared in control after Vanessa de Jesus converted two free throws before Jack Animam added a jumper to give Gilas a 57-47 cushion in the final period.
Mexico responded with a decisive 14-1 run to turn the game around.
Mayra Gil started the comeback with a three-pointer, followed by a jumper from Alexia Lagunas. Hazel Ramirez then completed a three-point play to bring Mexico within two points at 57-55.
Gil later scored on a layup to tie the game before setting up Ramirez for a jumper that put Mexico ahead, 59-57, with 1:09 remaining.
Animam had an opportunity to level the score but made only one of two free throws, leaving Gilas trailing by a point with 21 seconds left.
Destiny Pitts split her free throws to make it 60-58 before Anisa Jeffries converted one free throw after an unsportsmanlike foul on de Jesus, giving Mexico enough cushion to secure the comeback victory.
De Jesus led the Philippines with 15 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Animam added 14 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Jeffries paced Mexico with 17 points, 10 rebounds and three steals, while Ramirez finished with 12 points.
Gilas Women will try to recover against Canada on Thursday at 7:30am Manila time. (Adrian Co)
