Friends win Lousada and stamp passport for the finals of the Portuguese Cup

The women's team of the CAB fi a Lousada decide whether to discharge for the Final Four of the Portuguese Cup. After, on the eve, the Azoreans of the Good Journey had eliminated the Vagos from the final stage of the competition, any kind of favoritism of the Friends for the meeting was nullified, as it was already proven that this could be proof of all surprises. For this reason, the CAB demanded immense concentration, respect for the opponent and enormous delivery, because only in this way would it be possible to overcome the training they had before them, and thus to be present in the decisive stage of a trophy whose achievement, besides being immensely prestigious, also guarantees the direct clearance for European competitions. The game began best for the home team, which entered the game to win by 5-2. However, the response of the CAB was not expected, with the Friends performing a partial of 11-0 in the following minutes. By the end of the first half, the CAB continued to set its pace, basing its game on a fierce defense and quick exits to the counterattack, which were proving very effective. At the end of the first ten minutes, the marker scored 7-26 in favor of Madeirans. In the second half, Lousada entered with great desire to improve his defense and his ability to score points. However, the CAB continued to maintain its domain in the tables and to explore its collective solutions, demonstrating a great spirit of unity and fluidity in the transition from defense to attack. Although a few less successful moments of basketball, with both formations demonstrating disconcentrations that reduced the show of the match, the break came with 21-45, in favor of the CAB. At this stage of the meeting, the CAB's nother improvements were Ashley Bruner (18) and Carla Freitas (15). Highlight also for the four assists of Joana Lopes and Kristen Mann's nine conquests. However, no doubt, the Friends were worth their great group spirit, with all the players called to the match showing great spirit of altruism. In the third half, Lousada entered the area with a defense, in an attempt to counter the CAB's largest could in the areas near the basket. The surprise effect worked well, and in the first minutes of the game, Lousada made a 6-0 partial. The CAB took some time to react, expressed some inefficacy in adapting to the new defensive posture of the opponents and revealed an unexpected passivity in the fight for the jumps, factors opposed to those that had defined the play of the friends in the first part. Although Lousada won the partial of the period (18-15), the advantage of the Madeirans was never put in danger, and at the end of a half-hour game, the CAB remained in front of the merchant for 39-62. In the fourth and final period, there was the slight rise of the house and the lower income of visitors, especially the numerous (and unacceptable) lost of Madeirans in areas near the basket, which are not expected at this level of competition. With the marker in 55-71, João Pedro Vieira asked for a time discount to instill in his athletes greater sense of rigor and concentration, something that was frankly lacking in the hosts of the Friends. Madeirans’ response to their coach’s ‘ear pull’ was not as effective as expected, even though the team has shown more attention to the game. By the end of regular time, the CAB managed to manage the winning advantage and won the game by 60-78. By winning Lousada, the CAB team confirmed their qualification for the Final Four of the Portuguese Cup. The trophy will be played in a venue to be defined by the Federation, and Madeira has applied to host the event, and is therefore one of the possibilities. In individual terms: Ashley Bruner (25 points, 16 points), Carla Freitas (19 points, 3 assists), Kristen Mann (15 points, 14 points), Joana Lopes 86 assists), Carolina Escorcio (2 points), Marta Bravo (5 points), Lavinia Silva (11 points).