GILAS Pilipinas Women squandered a 15-point lead and lost to Mexico, 61-58, on Monday (Tuesday Manila time) in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The Nationals built an early 35-20 lead, but saw a 57-47 fourth-quarter advantage erased by the host country in BT Toews’ first game as Gilas Women head coach.
READ BT Toews plans to mix Japanese, Filipino styles in Gilas Women
The loss was crucial as only one from the eight teams in the competition will advance to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Gilas Women take a rest before facing a tough opponent in world No. 7 Canada on Wednesday (Thursday Manila time).
A lay-up by Jack Animam at the six-minute mark of the fourth gave Gilas a 57-47 lead, but it turned out to be the last field goal of the game for the team.
Mexico responded with a 12-0 run capped by a jumper by Hazel Ramirez off a missed fastbreak lay-up by Louna Ozar with 1:06 left to snatch the lead, 59-57.
Gilas Women had a chance to tie the game when Animam was fouled after a drive to the basket with 22.8 seconds left but she only made one free throw.
Destiny Pitts made one free throw on the next Mexico play before Afril Bernardino issued an errant pass that led to Vanessa de Jesus being called for an unsportsmanlike foul with 1.3 seconds left, essentially ending Gilas Women’s chances.
The loss spoiled De Jesus’ 15-point effort for Gilas Women. Animam had 14 points and six rebounds in her return game to the national squad.
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