Benfica wins Portugal SuperCup
Current Portuguese LPB champions Benfica laid down a marker for the league season by defeating Galitos – Tley 82-63 in the SuperCup. The LPB will be one of the last European league’s to get underway this season, tipping off this weekend, and the SuperCup served as an exciting curtain raiser.
Benfica showed why the club is favourite for the title once again this season as the champs cruised past last season’s Portuguese Cup winners Galitos. The Eagles are chasing a fourth consecutive league crown and their sixth in seven years, and on this evidence they will be tough to beat through the 2014/2015 season.
Benfica vs. Galitos – Tley, 82-63
The league champions were under the cosh in the first quarter as Galitos defended strongly and took their opportunities at the offensive basket. After 10 minutes of play the cup winners were in control with the score at 10-18. Benfica responded and took control of the game through a hugely impressive second period, although Galitos lost concentration and will rue sloppy errors. A massive 29-11 run in the second frame handed Benfica control at halftime, the scoreboard reading 39-29.
With a ten point advantage at the long break, the Eagles dictated the pace on the hardwood and had all the momentum. They poured in 25 points through the third stanza and held their opponents to just 14, enough to carve out a healthy 64-43 advantage through 30 minutes. The game was won for Benfica and they eased down the stretch, conceding the fourth quarter 18-20, but still winning the game easily.
Carlos Andrade paced the win by doubling up with 21 points and 10 boards, while Diogo Carreira scored 21 points and Carlos Ferreirinho nailed 16 points.
Miguel Minhava drove Galitos with 18 points, followed by Ben Gresmer with 14 points.
After the game, Carreira explained Benfica’s poor start to the contest, putting it down to nerves; “I tried to help, was full of desire to play the game. We went in nervous, but then managed to escape the bullet and manage until the end. We are an experienced team and we show it again. It was a good game, a party and Basketball”.