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 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. Gilas Pilipinas Women head coach BT Toews noted that their defense and shooting improved, despite earlier dominance in all categories. Dela Rosa scored 16 points, five rebounds, and three steals; Vanessa De Jesus added 16 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and two steals; Sophia Dignadice scored 16 points, four assists, and a rebound; Animam finished with 14 points, three rebounds, and two steals. Senegal’s Cierra Dillard led with 25 points, while Khadija Faye and Ndioma Kane each scored 14 points. The Philippines finished with one win and two losses, while Group B’s top teams, Canada and Mexico, advanced. The FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament is one pathway to securing a ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, alongside continental championships.