Headline
Gilas Women end Pre-OQT campaign on a high note with breakthrough win
Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 21, 2026
Photo Courtesy: PAIGE JAVIER
PHILIPPINES – Gilas Pilipinas Women closed their FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament campaign with a 79-75 victory over Senegal in Guadalajara, Mexico, ending the tournament on a high note.
The Filipinas built a 61-50 lead entering the fourth quarter before Senegal mounted a late comeback. Key baskets from Vanessa de Jesus and Kacey Dela Rosa helped preserve the lead and secure the breakthrough win.
De Jesus, Dela Rosa and Sophia Dignadice each finished with 16 points, while Jack Animam added 14 for the Philippines.
The victory gave newly appointed head coach BT Toews his first win with the national women’s team. Gilas Women finished the group stage with a 1-2 record, after earlier losses to Mexico and Canada.
Although the result was not enough to advance to the semifinals, the win provided a strong finish and a boost for a program looking to build toward the next stage of its Olympic journey.
