Benfica Women vs Esgueira – Betclic League Preview

RESUMO BTV

In an emotional duel, in the 7th round of the Betclic Women’s League, the Benfica beat Esgueira (63-73), this Saturday night, November 22, at the Pavilhão Clube do Povo de Esgueira.

Back to Championship accountsafter the break for the national teams’ commitments, the eagles did not have a good start. Efficient in the outside game, the home team scored 3 triples in the first 4 minutes, while Benfica was not efficient in rushing to the basket (15-8).

In the final stages of the 1st quarter, the Reds, who were losing 19-10, got closer. Marta Martinscommon triple (19-13), e Joana Soeiro (21-15) reduced distances.

Trailing by 6 points, at the beginning of the 2nd quarter, the two-time national champions were more aggressive in defense, gained rebounds and equalized the contest (21-21).

With 2 triples, Marta Martins and Letícia Soares gave strength to the eagles’ advance on the scoreboard (21-27).

However, Esgueira managed to stop the Reds’ momentum and got closer. At halftime, Benfica led by one point (35-36), highlighting, essentially, in the lugs against the opponent (24 against 17).

Upon resuming the game, a partial 0-7 gave another comfort to the two-time national champions (35-43).

However, against a very competitive rival, as anticipated Eugénio Rodrigues already previewthe balance was once again noticeable with another recovery from Esgueira (47-50), which took advantage of some turnovers incarnate to level the challenge.

With warm hands, Inês Faustino and Marta Martins They put the Eagles back with a bigger margin: 51-61, after 2 triples from each. The 3rd quarter ended with Benfica ahead with a ten point advantage (53-63).

In the final half there was some nervousness on both sides and precipitation that dictated few points. Still, Benfica always proved to be superior, controlled and triumphed 63-73.

Maria João Bettencourt was the most valuable player of the redstotaling 19 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists.

In the eagles’ calendar, it follows EuroCup Women. In the 6th round of Group K, the reds face SBS Ostravaon Wednesday, November 26th, in Czechia, at 6:15 pm (Mainland Portugal time).

DECLARATIONS

Eugénio Rodrigues (Benfica coach): “[Chave para a reação no 2.º parcial] Resilience, the capacity for suffering. To win here, we have to have this capacity for suffering, this resilience to run faster than the opponent, to be more focused than the opponent on a field that is always very, very difficult. That’s what, in my opinion, made the difference, especially in the second half.”

Maria João Bettencourt (Benfica academy): “[Fator-chave para vencer] When we raise the defensive level, we are a team that can shoot in the game and I think, above all, it was at the defensive level, in the rebounds, in running a little more, being more aggressive. They were important factors in being able to shoot a lot in the game and to be able to play with that advantage.”