Ever Bilena belles repel Lady Pirates

Ever Bilena edged Muscle Tape-Lyceum, 66-62, to open its title campaign on a high note in the Women’s Philippine Basketball League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City late Tuesday.

The Gandang Pinay, owned by former league chair Dioceldo Sy, built enough cushion in the fourth quarter to stave off the Lady Pirates’ repeated rallies down the stretch to pound out the victory.

“I lost my big players that’s why they got an opportunity to come back. But I’m happy we prevailed,” said Ever Bilena coach Pat Aquino.

“I hope this would be the start of something big for Ever Bilena,” said Sy.

Using a solid interior defense, the Gandang Pinay broke several Lyceum plays and leaned on Marichu Bacaro, Aiumi Ono and Remia Buenacosa on the offensive end to build a 52-38 lead after three quarters.

Bacaro paced Ever Bilena with 21 points while Ono, Buenacosa and Nikki Leonardo combined for 37 points.