Its pride saved for Jack Animam, Jhaz Joson, and the rest of Gilas Women after beating Senegal, 79-75, to end their campaign in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-qualifying Tournament in Mexico.
Photograph courtesy of FIBA
Gilas Pilipinas Women thwarted Senegal’s furious fourth quarter uprising in a 79-75 escape to end their campaign in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-qualifying Tournament on a high note Friday at the Astros Arena in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Kacey Dela Rosa and Jack Animam delivered the crucial points in the final two minutes of the tight ballgame as Gilas Women closed Group B action with a 1-2 win-loss record while sending the Senegalese home winless in three outings.
Dela Rosa, Sophia Dignadice and Vanessa De Jesus scored 16 points each while Animan added 14 markers for Gilas Women.
Dela Rosa hit a triple and a layup to keep the Philippines in front, 78-73, with 1:28 left after Senegal rallied to close in from an 11-point deficit entering the fourth period.
Nogaya Diagne trimmed Gilas Women’s lead to a one-possession game, 78-75, with 1:17 left. Two missed pressure-packed free throws by Madjuguene Sene in the final 68 seconds gave Gilas Women an opening to put the game away as Animam sank one of her two free throws with 12.6 ticks left in the clock.
Gilas Women held on to snap a two-game slide and go home with some measure of pride after losing a close-shaved decision to Mexico followed by a blowout at the hands of Canada.
Cierra Dillard led Senegal with 25 points while Ndioma Kane and Khadija Faye added 14 markers each.
