Ever Bilena turns back Smart-UP, shares lead

Marichu Bacaro shot 19 points as Ever Bilena trounced Smart Sports-UP, 64-52, to gain a share of the lead in the Women’s Philippine Basketball League (WPBL) Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City last Thursday.

The reigning UAAP MVP from UST 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 en route to the victory.

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

With the win, Ever Bilena forced 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 with Xtreme Magic Sing-RP Youth at 2-1.

Aiumi Ono backed Bacaro with 16 points, including six in the final period as Ever Bilena thwarted Smart Sports-UP’s comeback.

Sai Sadorra 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 today 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.

Discovery Suites-RP women’s team, which lost to Fujia, China, 75-70, in an exhibition game Wedneday, collides with Oracare-College of St. Benilde at 3:45 p.m.