The BT Toews era with Gilas Women opened on a painful note as the Philippines squandered a 15-point lead and fell to host Mexico, 61-58, on Tuesday in their first game at the FIBA Women’s Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT).
Great Start for Gilas Women
The Filipinas looked firmly in control during the opening half, with Jack Animam and Vanessa De Jesus leading the charge. The Philippines took a 22-16 advantage after the first quarter before stretching the margin to 35-20 with 3:24 left in the second.
Gilas’ defense also held Mexico in check, limiting the hosts to just nine points in the second quarter and forcing them into 33 percent shooting from the field.
Mexico Fights Back After the Break
Mexico gradually chipped away at the deficit after halftime, outscoring the Philippines, 21-11, in the third quarter to close the gap to 43-39.
The Filipinas managed to restore a double-digit cushion early in the fourth, with Animam and De Jesus pushing the lead back to 57-47. Animam’s basket with six minutes remaining proved to be Gilas’ final field goal of the contest.
From there, Mexico mounted its decisive rally. Mayra Gil sparked the comeback, while Alexia Lagunas and Hazel Ramirez added crucial baskets. Gil’s layup tied the game at 57-all with 2:11 left.
12-0 Run Seals Mexico’s Victory
The hosts completed a stunning 12-0 run, turning a 47-57 deficit into a 59-57 lead with just over a minute remaining.
Gilas Women had a chance to respond when Animam was fouled with 21 seconds left, but she split her free throws, leaving Mexico ahead, 59-58. Destiny Pitts then made one of two free throws to extend the lead. In the final seconds, a misdirected pass from Afril Bernardino led to an unsportsmanlike foul involving De Jesus, allowing Mexico to add another free throw and put the game beyond reach.
The loss was particularly painful for the Philippines, which led for more than 32 minutes and held the game’s largest advantage. Mexico, meanwhile, was in front for only 3:25 but capitalized when it mattered most.
Gilas Women Look to Bounce Back Against Canada
De Jesus paced the Philippines with 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists, though she was limited to just 2 points after halftime. Animam, returning to the national team after missing the previous World Cup qualifiers, added 14 points and 6 rebounds. Kacey Dela Rosa contributed 6 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out, while Sophia Dignadice chipped in 8.
Mexico was led by Anisa Jeffries, who tallied 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Ramirez finished with 12. The hosts dominated the closing stretch, outscoring Gilas, 9-1, in crunch time.
With the defeat, Gilas Women dropped to 0-1 and now face a crucial matchup against world No. 7 Canada on August 20. The Philippines will need a strong response in its remaining group games against Canada and Senegal, with only the top teams advancing to the next stage.
