Ever Bilena, Smart-UP clash in WPBL final

Ever Bilena thwarted Oracle Residences-FEU, 62-55, and Smart Buddy-UP stunned fancied Nutri-C-Ateneo, 58-54, to arrange a showdown for the Women’s Philippine Basketball League (WPBL) crown at the Lyceum gym yesterday.

Nikki Leonardo and Remia Buenacosa scored four points apiece down the stretch as the Gandang Pinay clinched the first finals berth in the revival tournament.

For a while, Oracle-FEU squad looked headed for an upset win when they took a 55-54 lead on a basket by Kat Reyes with 2:20 remaining.

But Ever Bilena put its act together in time to regain the lead and post the victory.

Joan Roma starred for the Lady Maroons, scoring six of her 10 points in the payoff period that kept the Lady Eagles at bay.

The Lady Maroons also did an awesome job on Ateneo star Cassy Tioseco as they held the RP team veteran to just two points in the fourth period. The 6-foot Tioseco finished with 12 points.

The best-of-three title series starts tomorrow at Letran.

Leonardo topscored for Gandang Pinay with 18 points.