A very emotional game between Sporting and Benfica, in the opening round of Group A – included in the second phase – of the Betclic League. The lions had a good advantage, allowing the reds to recover, but they still had time to change the course of the game again and equal the eagles in the lead of the competition.
The match started busy in the offensive chapter, with the home team digging for differences during the second half. After the break, Pedro Nuno Monteiro’s team had a ten-point advantage (60-50), however, Benfica found the strength to change the course of the game.
An increase in defensive intensity, combined with less opposing competence in attack, contributed to the recovery of the eagles. Norberto Alves’ team was winning by 70-77 until Sporting went on to triumph. Moments of inspiration from Travante Williams and Armwood woke up the audience present at the João Rocha Pavilion, who guided the green and white team to the final victory.
Number 32 for the lions ended up as the best scorer of Alvalade’s team (16 points), still far from João ´Betinho` Gomes’ numbers (30 points). In the next round, the eagles will once again be involved in a new derby, with a reception to FC Porto
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