Gilas Women beat Senegal to end Fiba Pre-OQT campaign on high note

Gilas Pilipinas Women’s run in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-qualifying tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico, ended on a high note. The Philippines defeated Senegal, 79-75, in its final game of the pre-qualifiers, finishing with a 1-2 record in Group B. Prior to the win, Gilas Women had lost to Mexico and Canada. Coach BT Toews noted, ‘What a difference a day makes,’ emphasizing improved defense. The victory marked Toews’ first win as head coach. In the game, the Philippines held a commanding 61-50 lead into the fourth quarter. Senegal trimmed the deficit to two points, 69-67, with 5:02 remaining, but Vanessa de Jesus scored a triple to extend the lead to 72-67. Kacey Dela Rosa and Sophia Dignadice each scored 16 points for the Philippines, while Cierra Dillard led Senegal with 25 points. Khadija Faye and Ndioma Kane added 14 points each for Senegal.