O Benfica is returning to the final of the Portuguese Cup, a trophy he won last season and which he seeks to defend in final four from 2023/24. In Viana do Castelo, the reds overcame, this Saturday, the CD Póvoa clearly, for 103-86and stamped their passport for Sunday’s final.
The match started quite balanced, with several changes in the scoreboard in the first period. Even so, the team led by Norberto Alves managed to sustain the good opposition and came out ahead (29-28).
The first big moment in terms of digging the gap between the two teams came in the second period. The Eagles not only maintained their offensive efficiency, they even surpassed the 29 points scored in the first quarter. On the other hand, CD Póvoa was not able to maintain the same performance and at half-time, the score already showed a difference of 15 points (60-45).
Given this scenario, the mission of José Ricardo’s men was increasingly difficult, but a good start in the second half allowed them to reduce the gap to nine points. Benfica grew again, scoring a 9-0 run to lead by 18, but the best final result came from the Póvoa de Varzim team, who won the third period and entered the last ten minutes with 12 points of disadvantage, a difference that still allowed us to dream.
In a last-ditch effort, CD Póvoa managed to definitively re-enter the discussion of the result, by reducing the difference to their opponent from Luz to two possessions of the ball – six points. However, the gas ran out for Póvoa and what followed was a partial 13-2 in favor of the Benfica fans to close the score.
On an individual level, the biggest highlight of the match was the North American Aaron Broussard, responsible for scoring 36 points, five rebounds and five steals. In the villages, Clyde Trapp recorded 25 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Returning to the final of the Portuguese Cup, Benfica is now waiting to find out their opponent in the big decision. The second semi-final, scheduled for 6pm this Saturday, pits Immortal e FC Porto.
2024-03-16 17:53:00
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