Ever Bilena beats Smarts Sports in WPBL elims

MANILA, Nov. 28 (PNA) -- Marichu Bacaro put on another MVP performance as Ever Bilena grounded Smarts Sports-University of the Philippines, 64-52, and gained a share of the lead in the Women’s Philippine Basketball League (WPBL) Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The reigning UAAP MVP from University of Santo Tomas scattered six of her game-high 19 points in the third period where the Gandang Pinay outscored the Lady Maroons, 18-8 for a 47-41 lead going into the final 10 minutes.

The cat-quick Bacaro finished with an impressive 9-of-16 shooting from the field aside from posting four rebounds, four steals and three assists in 31 minutes of action.

She capped her game-long brilliance with a triple to fuel a big third quarter onslaught.

With the win, Gandang Pinay forged a two-way tie for the lead with guest team Discovery-Suites-RP women’s team at 3-0.

The Manny V. Pangilinan-backed Smart-UP squad fell to a share of fourth to fifth places with Xtreme Magic Sing-RP Youth at 2-1.

Aiumi Ono, Bacaro’s sidekick, also did well, tossing in 16 points, including six in the final period that helped the Dioceldo Sy-owned Ever Bilena scuttle Smart Sports-UP’s determined comeback.

Sai Sadorra, the charming 5-foot-3 guard, paced Smart Sports-UP with 11 points.

The Gandang Pinay shoot for their fourth straight win when they collide with another guest team in Xtreme Magic Sing-RP Youth Saturday at 11:45 a.m. at the Lyceum gym.

Clashing in the opening game at 10 a.m. are Oracle Residences and Dormitory and Sunkist-La Salle while Smart Sports-UP hopes tackles Mail & More at 2 p.m.