It was a tale of two halves for Gilas Pilipinas, which started brightly but could not finish the job, falling to host Mexico, 61-58, in its opening game of the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Guadalajara.
For a while, Gilas looked like it had the script under control.
The Philippines took a 37-25 halftime lead behind the steady quarterbacking and shotmaking of Vanessa de Jesus, who finished with 15 points. The Duke University point guard gave Gilas the kind of offensive poise that made Mexico look a step behind.
Then came the second half, and the plot thickened.
Mexico tightened its defense, forcing Gilas into tougher possessions and disrupting the rhythm that had carried the Philippines through the opening 20 minutes. A string of offensive fouls in the fourth quarter compounded the trouble, with one call eventually disqualifying Gilas’ other center, Kaycee dela Rosa.
Mexico outscored the Philippines, 36-21, after halftime, turning a 12-point deficit into a three-point victory.
Jack Animam, back in national team colors, provided a strong interior presence with 14 points and six rebounds, part of Gilas’ 36 boards for the game.
Still, the Philippines had one last chance.
With fewer than five seconds remaining, Afril Bernardino missed a free throw with Gilas trailing by three. But the ensuing pass to de Jesus was stolen, forcing the Philippines to deliberately foul. Mexico sank the resulting free throws and retained possession, closing the door on the comeback.
The loss was less a collapse for Gilas than a reminder of how quickly a comfortable lead can evaporate when defensive pressure rises, and mistakes multiply.
Next for Gilas is Canada, a must-win game for the team to have a chance at emerging at the top of the pool stage. And to have that chance, Gilas must not only start strong but, more importantly, finish well.
