Gilas Pilipinas Women rued its collapse after absorbing a heartbreaking 68-71 loss to hosts Mexico in the FIBA Olympic Pre-qualifying Tournament at the Astros Arena in Guadalajara on Tuesday.

Head coach Burke “BT” Toews said the Philippines squandered its chances after building a 37-25 halftime lead in his first tournament with Gilas Women since replacing Patrick Aquino last May.

“We could control the rebound, control the paint in the first half, and I thought that was key. We also forced a lot of turnovers and got into transition. I think we had 11 second-chance points in the first half, and with a healthy lead,” said Toews, who drew 15 points from Vanessa de Jesus.

“So, I think we all feel that we gave that game away. I don’t want to take anything away from Mexico, because they played a good second half, but we feel we gave that game away.”

The loss means the Philippines will have to win its next two games to keep its hopes of finishing in the top two of Group B alive.

Gilas Women will face Canada on Thursday before taking on Senegal on Friday, needing victories in both games to make up for the setback against Mexico.

Toews wants his players to use the disappointment as motivation in their remaining matches.

“So, we have to have a quick turnaround before we play Canada, but I prefer if everybody takes a few hours and feels bad about the game, and really thinks about what it is we have to focus on, what it is we have to be more meticulous about, to continue to be a strong team,” Toews said.

“And then, when that time’s done, we’ll flip a switch, and we’ll be positive. You know, next play, next game.”