MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas Women closed its FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament campaign with a 79-75 victory over Senegal on Friday morning (Manila time) at Arena Astros in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Although the Philippines had already been eliminated from contention for a place in next year’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the national team battled past Senegal to finish the tournament on a winning note.
Kacey dela Rosa, Sophia Dignadice and Vanessa de Jesus each scored 16 points for the Philippines.
Dela Rosa added five rebounds, three steals and two blocks, while de Jesus contributed eight assists, four rebounds and two steals. Dignadice also had four assists.
Jack Animam chipped in 14 points, three rebounds and two steals, while Jhaz Joson finished with nine points.
The Philippines led by nine, 44-35, early in the third quarter before Senegal trimmed the deficit to four, 50-46, following a three-pointer by Ndioma Kane.
The Gilas Women responded with a 15-0 run capped by a Dignadice layup to take a 61-50 lead into the fourth quarter.
Senegal fought back and cut the deficit to two, 69-67, after a Khadija Faye basket with 5:02 remaining.
De Jesus stopped the Senegalese run with a three-pointer, followed by a split from the free-throw line by Animam, keeping the Philippines ahead, 73-67.
Senegal again threatened, cutting the lead to two, 73-71, with 2:36 remaining, but Dela Rosa answered with a crucial three-pointer.
Nogaye Diagne later made it a one-possession game at 78-75 with 1:17 left, but Senegal could not complete the comeback.
Animam made one of two free throws with 12.6 seconds remaining to help seal the victory.
Cierra Dillard led Senegal with 25 points, three assists, two rebounds, two steals and a block. Faye and Kane each scored 14.
The Philippines finished the tournament with a 1-2 record, while Senegal went winless in three games.
