Friends overtake Sportiva and reserve place on the stage of decisions

CAB and Sportiva played the first semi-final of the Portuguese Cup Final Four. Despite the history of games between the two teams, favorable to the CAB, the game was very balanced, not only because it is a final phase, where everything can happen, but also because the Azorean team is very well oriented and organized, being able to cause serious difficulties to any team. The game began with the two very expectant teams and seeing what each one was going to do. Thus, balance was the dominant note of the initial moments. However, it was up to the CAB to take the game initiative and the Friends took the reins of the game. Against the Azorean defense zone, a brand of Sportiva's defense, the CAB demonstrated intelligence and patience, exploiting the opponent's weaknesses. No surprises, the ladies of the house arrived at the end of the first period ahead by 24-11. In the second period, the CAB was less well, revealing little serenity. Friends always kept the lead in the ,marker, benefiting from strong cohesion, but failed baskets that usually do not fail and committed some also unexpected defensive failures. With merit, Sportiva took advantage of the apparent break in the CAB, exploring essentially the outside game. Even so, the leadership of the CAB remained, with the Friends reaching the break ahead by 39-26. On the return of the locker rooms, the CAB returned with a lot of aggression, but found a Sportiva equally motivated and determined to turn the game around. For this reason, the balance was once again the dominant note, although with a slight superiority of visitors, with the third time ending the marker in 53-42, in favour of the friends. In the fourth period, the CAB held the advantage gained and resisted the attempts of the Azores team to change the course of events. With patience and serenity, the CAB again successfully attacked the visitors' zone defense. Sportiva still struggled and fought to the end, with pride and immense dedication. However, the afternoon was the house team, who sentenced the victory for 73-61 and reserved his place in the final. In individual terms: Cintia France (2), Sara Barreira (2), Kristen Mann (18), Joana Lopes (12), Marta Bravo (5), Catarina Freitas (2), Ashley Bruner (16), Carla Freitas (4), Leonor Nunes (6), Carolina Escorcio (6).