Courtesy: FIBA
Gilas Pilipinas Women absorbed a heartbreaking 58-61 loss at the hands of host Mexico at the start of the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament, Tuesday in Guadalajara.
The nationals dominated the first half, posting leads as many as 15 points before taking a 37-25 advantage at halftime.
But the gritty Mexicans tightened their defensive screws in the third quarter, limiting the Filipinas to only 10 points.
Mexico continued to challenge the Philippines in the fourth, staging a 12-0 run to turn a 47-57 deficit to a 59-57 advantage in the final 69 seconds.
The Philippines had two chances to tie the game but Jack Animam only made 1 of 2 free throws and Afril Bernardino turned the ball over in the next possession.
Gilas Women were outscored by Mexico in the second half, 36-21, and were outrebounded, 52-37.
Vanessa De Jesus led the Philippines with 15 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds, while Jack Animam added 14 markers and six rebounds.
Sophia Dignadice had 8 points and Kacey Dela Rosa tallied 6 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out.
Anisa Jeffries paced Mexico with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Gilas Women will return to action on Thursday, August 20 against world no. 7 Canada at 7:30 a.m. Philippine time.
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