Vanessa De Jesus delivered in the clutch as Gilas Pilipinas Women closed their 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.
De Jesus took charge in the closing minutes to help the Filipinas cap their tournament stint on a winning note, although their Olympic qualification hopes remain alive through another route.
The Philippines can still qualify for the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament by finishing in the top four of next year’s FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, which will determine the Asian teams advancing to the Olympic qualifying stage.
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In the final minutes of the game, Gilas Women outscored Senegal, 10-6, with De Jesus contributing three points and three assists.
De Jesus finished with 16 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and two steals while shooting 4-of-6 from beyond the arc and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line.
The turning point came late in the third period.
With the Philippines trailing 50-46, De Jesus calmly sank two free throws with 2:47 remaining to tie the game at 50-all before putting Gilas Women ahead, 51-50.
Dignadice followed with a pull-up jumper 41 seconds later to extend the lead to 53-50, sparking a decisive Philippine run.
Gilas Women closed the third quarter with a 15-3 surge, transforming a 46-50 deficit into a 61-50 advantage heading into the final frame.
Senegal mounted comeback in the fourth quarter, but De Jesus kept the Philippines composed down the stretch as Gilas Women held on for the four-point victory and get back at Senegal two years after their 87-62 loss in Kagili during the pre-qualifiers to the World Cup.
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Kacey Dela Rosa also scored 16 points to go with five rebounds, three steals, and two blocks, while Dignadice added 16 points and four assists on 7-of-12 shooting.
Jack Animam provided spark off the bench with 14 points in 20 minutes and 45 seconds.
Gilas started their campaign with a heartbreaking 61-58 loss to host Mexico before being overwhelmed by Canada, 85-38, on Thursday.
Senegal was led by Cierra Dillard, who poured in a game-high 25 points alongside three assists and two steals.
The Scores:
Philippines 79 – De Jesus 16, Dela Rosa 16, Dignadice 16, Animam 14, Joson 9, Bernardino 3, Surada 3, Ozar 2, Del Carmen 0.
Senegal 75 – Dillard 25, Kane 14, Faye 14, Diouf 6, Diagne 5, Timera 5, Sene 4, Fall 2, Gueye 0, Filor 0.
Quarterscores: 18-18, 39-35, 61-50, 79-75.
