Benfica Federation Cup Final: Quinta dos Lombos

In a final pushed to the limit, decided after 2 overtimes, the Benfica beat Quinta dos Lombos, 85-86, and won the 3rd Federation Cup in its history. The game was played this Sunday, January 11th.

UPDATED

surpassed the Immortal in the semi-finalwith a triumph for 57-74the Benfica women’s basketball team secured a place in the final, where, in the fight for the Federation Cup, they would face Quinta dos Lomboswhich eliminated Sporting (89-66).

At the Albufeira Sports Pavilion, the venue that hosted the final fourthere was no lack of support for the teams in the big decision. As in the game on Saturday, January 10th, Eugénio Rodrigues launched Inês Faustino, Emanuely de Oliveira, Maria João Bettencourt, Zuzanna Puc and Letícia Soares not initial five.

The first 2 points of the match belonged to Inês Faustinoplacing the eagles in frontafter several failed attempts on both sides. From the free throw line, Nahomis Hardy restored equality. In evidence in the game, Inês Faustino extended it to 2-5 the advantage of the reds, who had immediate response (5-5).

The marker continued to mirror successive drawsuntil the 14-12 favorable to Quinta dos Lombos. However, the Benfica’s defensive pressure and quick counterattack were having an effect. With a 3-point shot, Maria João Bettencourt gave the eagles the lead back (14-15), who, in the 8th minute, were leading 14-16, after Zuzanna Puc converted a free throw. Imposing speed on the court after recovering the ball, team led by José Leite had a 6-0 partial (22-16). Completed the first 10 minutes of the meeting, the result was set at 22-16.

Marta Martins opened the 2nd quarter with a triple (22-19)but, more effective in shooting for the basket, the Quinta dos Lombos extended the lead to 7 points (28-21). Benfica did not turn away from the fight and, with Emanuely de Oliveira and Letícia Soares with a hot handreduced to 28-27. From that moment on, the game gained intensitywith 3-point shots for both formations and new draw, at 33 points, after 6 minutes.

A great pass from Joana Soeiro, under the basket, found the captain Marcy Gonçalveswhich implemented and put Benfica ahead again (33-35). Taking advantage of the good moment and the failed launches by Quinta dos Lombos, the Eagles extended the lead to 33-41 and went into the break leading 35-44.

O Quinta dos Lombos entered the 3rd bedroom determined to change the course of events and, with a partial 4-0placed the marker on 39-44a result that remained until 4 minutes. From the free throw line, Maria João Bettencourt initialed the first red stitches in this period (39-46) and, with a triple, Zuzanna Puc raised it to 42-49.

Shortening distances, Carcavelos team reached 51-53 in the 7th minute, but did not score again until the end of the period. Upon the whistle, Inês Faustino scored for 51-58, result with which he entered what would be the last 10 minutes (of regulation time).

The 4th quarter started with… a triple by Inês Faustinowhich gave 10 points advantage over Benficaincreasingly well on the way to deciding the trophy. Everything went well for the two-time national champions and the punctual margin became more comfortable (55-66 at 3 minutes).

Com 5 minutes to playthe marker indicated 61-66 and the Reds remained firm, intercepting passes from Quinta dos Lombos, who, in the 7th minute, reduced the score to 63-66. The answer came immediately, through Joana Soeiro (63-68). José Leite’s team came closer again (65-68), leaving everything open until the end. When it seemed that Benfica had the situation under control, after Inês Faustino extends to 65-71o Quinta dos Lombos pulled out all the stops and, with 2 consecutive triples, restored equality at 71-71, forcing extra time.

In the first 5 minutes, the Carcavelos team started better and came close to deciding, benefiting from the Reds’ wastefulness, especially from the free throw line. Disadvantaged by 80-75o Benfica went after the result, managed to equalize and forced another extension.

In all or nothing, the Quinta dos Lombos remained ahead until 85-84. Excellent and cool in executing free throws1 second from the end, Letícia Soares converted and gave Benfica the victoryby 85-86. In an extremely balanced game, which required going beyond capabilities, the two-time national champions demonstrated resilience and combative spiritwinning the 3rd Women’s Basketball Federation Cup in the Club’s history!

Inês Faustino, with 26 converted points, was the top scorer in the final. Zuzanna I canin turn, received the award for Competition MVP.