Nutri-C-Ateneo, Ever Bilena gun for WPBL final showdown

Top favorites Nutri-C-Ateneo and Ever Bilena try to finalize a projected title showdown when they battle separate rivals in the Final Four of the Women’s Philippine Basketball League today at the Lyceum gym.

Ever Bilena, which needed an extra time to beat stubborn Sunkist-La Salle on Friday, 86-77, collides with Oracle Residences-Far Eastern University at 2 p.m. while Nutri-C-Ateneo tangles with the dangerous Smart Buddy-University of the Philippines at 4 p.m.

The Gandang Pinay, who topped Group B elims, were almost upset by the Lady Archers but Elaine Orillana scattered seven points in the extra five minutes to frustrate the RFM-backed squad.

Expected to carry the load for the Lady Eagles are RP team star Cassy Tioseco, Maria Lopa and Jessamine delos Reyes who all scored in double figures in the team’s 54-45 win over Mail And More also on Friday.

But the Lady Eagles can’t take the Lady Maroons for granted since the Manny V. Pangilinan-backed squad has what it takes to give them a stiff challenge.

The Lady Maroons secured a semis berth by downing Oracare-College of St. Benilde, 76-66, also two days back.

Ever Bilena’s Marichu Bacaro, the reigning UAAP MVP, hopes to redeem herself after a disappointing seven-point performance the last time.

Before their game against La Salle, the veteran guard from Bacolod was averaging 20.7 points.

But she has to raise her level of game a notch higher since Oracle is composed of players from the UAAP champion.