On September 4, Philippines won their first match of the tournament, beating Senegal 81-79. Philippines were once again led by Andray Blatche, who had a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds. For Senegal, Gorgui Dieng was the most dominant player with 13 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 dimes. Mouhammad Faye added another 20 points.
The game started slowly in the first quarter with each team scoring 4 points in the first four minutes. It was a back and forth affair, until Senegal poured in some quick buckets late in the quarter to lead 19-13 at the end of the first period.
At the start of the second quarter, Dieng of Senegal had a collision with Ranidel De Ocampo of Philippines, which left Ocampo's head bleeding. He was immediately attended to by the medical staff. The game resumed with Blatche making a shot from mid-range right afterwards. Paul Lee followed it up with two three-pointers. The filipinos continued their aggressive offensive play and lead 37-24 at halftime. Senegal managed to score just 5 points in the period.
The filipinos started off the second half well, with Japeth Aguilar scoring 4 quick points. Senegal responded and soon cut the lead to 49-44 in favor of Gilas. Senegal outscored Gilas 20-12 in the quarter.
The fourth quarter was the same story as the third. Philippines turned the ball over multiple times leading to some quick Senegal buckets. With 33 seconds left, the game was tied at 64. Both teams were unable to score in the last seconds of the fourth period, so the game headed to overtime.
During overtime, Xane Dalmeida drained one from downtown for Senegal 16 seconds in. Blatche answered with two quick baskets of his own to put Gilas up 69-67. Philippines eventually hung on to their lead and closed out the game, winning it by two points.
Despite today's win, Philippines will not make it to the round of 16, but Senegal will. Senegal will be matched up against Spain in the first-round on September 6.