Ivan Almeida and Terrell Carter lead the Eagles’ triumph in Luz
• Photo: FIBA Europe
Benfica hosted and beat the Greeks PAOK this Wednesday, 94-72, on their return to the Champions League, in a game counting for the 2nd round of Group G.
Excited by their audience, Benfica came out with everything and, with a 7-0 lead, excited the fans who practically filled the Pavilhão da Luz. At 9-1, the Greek coach immediately called for a time-out, but It didn’t work, as five minutes into the game PAOK still only had one point on the scoreboard and from a free throw.
Moments of offensive waste then followed, with both teams showing difficulties in scoring shots. The arrivals of Aaron Broussard and Ivan Almeida, doubtful for this game due to their physical condition, stirred up the Red attack: both scored and put the Eagles ahead by 17-10, but the Greeks shortened the distance and ended the opening quarter ahead lose by just two points (17-15).
The beginning of the second half was marked by five consecutive points from PAOK, which took the lead for the first time (18-17 and 20-17). Terrell Carter then came up with three consecutive converted shots under the basket, helping Norberto Alves’ team stay close to the scoreboard (25-25).
With a triple from Dreschell, Benfica took the lead again (32-28), but the quick reaction of PAOK (38-36) ‘forced’ Norberto Alves to request a time-out, at the end of the last minute of the first half. At half-time, Benfica trailed by one point (40-41), with Terrell Carter being the top scorer, with 12 points, ahead of Ivan Almeida (9) and Trey Dreschsel (9). The outside shooting (3/13) was something to improve in the second half.
In the second half, the first points belonged to Benfica’s Carter, who continued to dominate under the basket, and history repeated itself. As at the start of the match, Benfica came out with an interesting partial, now with an 11-0, confusing the Greeks’ strategy (51-41), with the highlight at this stage being Carter, who excited the public with baskets with a high artistic note. . For the first time in the match, Benfica reached an 11-point lead shortly afterwards (56-45).
Until the end of the third quarter, with both teams already having five fouls each, players often went to the free throw line. And he took advantage of the Portuguese team to, with the efficiency of Ivan Almeida, reach a 13-point advantage (61-48). With a triple almost to close, PAOK shortened the deficit and entered the final period losing 68-60.
In the fourth and decisive quarter, Benfica started by scoring through Betinho Gomes and, with Carter very active both in defense and attack, and with a triple from Diogo Gameiro, the eagles gained a precious advantage of 13 points (76-63), 6.30 minutes from the end of the match. With five minutes left, Ivan Almeida converted a long three-point shot and put the Eagles ahead by a clear 79-63. Until the end, Benfica managed and sealed an important victory against PAOK, 94-72.
On an individual level, Ivan Almeida stood out with 28 points, well supported by Terrell Carter (26). See the game sheet here
In the next round, Benfica will host the Israelis of Hapoel Jerusalem, on November 8th, in Luz.
By Diogo Jesus
2023-11-01 21:51:01
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