Benfica repeats as Portugal LPB champs

Benfica continued its dominance of the Portuguese LPB by sweeping the finals series against Vitoria SC to win the title. In victory, the club logged its fourth consecutive LPB title, its sixth in seven years, and its 26th overall, enhancing its position as Portugal’s most successful club. In this finals series the defending champs have looked composed and a 63-71 road win in Game 3 was enough to tie up another league championship.

Indeed, the visitors controlled large parts of the contest and if not for a rally by Vitoria in the fourth quarter the win would have been more emphatic. Benfica shot 80% of its free throws, nailing 16 out of 20 from the charity strip, while defensive rebounds were 30 to 19 in favour of the champs.

With the championship in sight Benfica could taste victory at the start of Game 3 and went on a 15-24 run in the first quarter to prove it. In the second stanza the visitors cooled at the offensive bucket and the period was closer, although Benfica still stole it 16-18 to make it 31-42 at halftime. Vitoria started to get back into the game in the third quarter and tied the frame 17-17 to leave the score on 48-59 through thirty minutes. In the fourth act the hosts made it interesting with a 15-12 run, but Benfica held on to win the title once again.

Jobey Thomas was the standout player on the hardwood as he drained 29 points for the winners, followed by Ronald Slay with 15 points. Carlos Andrade and Frederick Gentry both plundered 12 points apiece.

Doug Wiggins hit 21 points in the losing effort, while Jose Silva added 12 points and Joao Baliserio notched 10 points.