Benfica Ovarense: Hugo dos Santos Cup Match Report

BTV SUMMARY

O Benfica received and beat Ovarense 110 to 75, in the 3rd round of Group A of the Hugo dos Santos Cup. The meeting took place this Friday, February 20th, at Pavilhão Fidelidade.

Aaron Broussard, Justice Sueing, José Silva, Geno Crandall e Daniel Relvão were the 5 players launched by Norberto Alves to start the match.

Geno Crandall opened the asset with a triplefollowed by the basket of Aaron Broussardwhich put the Eagles ahead by 5-0. Ovar’s team responded by Rodrigo Soeiro, also effective at shooting 3 points (5-3). Despite the superiority of the four-time national champions, the visitors did not give up and, after being at a 10-3 disadvantage, reduced it to 10-8. The result was within 2 points until 14-12. With a warm hand, Aleksander Dziewa scored 5 consecutive points to extend it to 19-12 the red-black advantage. Defensively well and accurate at the basket, the eagles continued to charge and, at 7′, they won by double: 24-12.

Even in the late afternoon of a weekday, at Pavilhão Fidelidade – where the President Rui Costa was present – there was no lack of support for Glorioso! After the first 10 minutes, Benfica was winning 31-21.

The first points of the 2nd quarter belonged to Oversensitivitywhose partial 0-4 (31-25) forced Norberto Alves to ask for a timeout. Upon returning to the game, Daniel Relvão scored for the eagles, but the opponents, effective in offensive rebounds, reduced it to 33-29. Temidayo Yussuf replaced Diogo Gameiro (37-29, 6′) and, with 6 points, extended the Eagles’ lead to 43-29, the steepest distance so far.

Great response from the four-time national champions to an unfavorable start! With 22 points scored, Benfica triumphed 53-34 at half-time.

No reattamento, Geno Crandall triple (56-34), but Render Woods and Miguel Monteiro also converted from 3, and, in the 2nd minute of the 3rd bedroomthe result was 57-40. Ovarense started well again in this period, with more points scored than the Reds, who benefited from the advantage built in the 1st half. In minute 7, the Benfica won 68-54 (15-20 partial), but, without being able to counter the opponent’s momentum, saw Ovar’s team reduce the difference to 10 points (70-60).

In the final stretch, the Eagles still recovered and entered the last 10 minutes ahead by 76-63.

No 4th roomo most uneven of the matchBenfica played a partial 11-0 and put the result in 90-63. Great display of determination and superiority from the Reds, dispelling doubts as to who would win the match. With a triple, José Silva made it 99 to 71 with 3 minutes to go.

Despite the approximations, the eagles controlled the match and sealed the victory with an impressive 110-75. All red and black players registered in the game played minutes and contributed to the Club’s 3rd victory in the competition.

A break follows for National Team commitments. Upon returning to internal competition, the Benfica visits Esgueira in the 4th round of Group A of the Hugo dos Santos Cupscheduled for 6:30 pm on March 8 (Sunday).

DECLARATIONS

Norberto Alves (Benfica coach): “Ovarense is in 3rd place in our Championship. They know how to play basketball, they play very well, both defensively and offensively. It was important today, against a team that knows how to defend well in midfield, to score points at a high pace. That’s why we scored the points we did. I think in the 3rd period we had a bad moment, but it was more a question of energy and refocusing. Otherwise, we played with the pace we wanted. One or two defensive errors, some communication that was a little delayed, at times. It was important to win. [Adeptos] To thank. It’s not easy to have all the people here on one day of the week. They supported the team and always support the team when they need it. At one time or another, given Ovarense’s reaction, when it was important to have the fans with us, they were there again. I think there is great identification among fans with this team and we are very grateful for that. Always come, we will give everything we have to be able to win and give you the joy you deserve.”