Friends of claw and brio win Lusitania

The CAB ‘carimou’ the ‘passport’ for the half-finals of the Cup of Portugal, winning the Lusitânia by 83-75. In a game played in Gondomar, a city that hosts the finals of the competition, the Friends could not count on the contribution of Arvydas Gydra, who had a sudden relapse in his physical condition even before the game, and could not participate in it. The game began in a very balanced way, as evidenced by the result of the first half, which was 18-19, in favor of the Azoreans. However, to record in the first ten minutes some failure of Friends to hit the throws to the basket. The second half was totally CAB, which won the partial by 28-11, reaching the lead interval by 46-30. The advantage of the CAB was very much due to the quality of the triple launch that the Friends recorded in the second ten minutes, as well as to a great collective understanding of our team, visible not only in the attack, but also in the defensive aspects. The Madeirans were also superior in the caveats, which allowed them to control the game in the chapter of the second releases. The third time was as negative for the CAB as the second period had been positive. In fact, Lusitania took advantage of some disorientation on the part of our boys and matched the match to 58-58. It was feared that the momentum of the game had changed for the Azoreans and that the CAB would fall, with all the questions to be referred to the last time. In the fourth period, the CAB came back stronger, and with five minutes played, João Paulo Silva's team led 69-62 and showed an important rise in the game. Lusitania, on the other hand, did not disarm and hit with much dignity, without ever discouraging. However, the CAB regained the inspiration it had been demonstrating (except for the second half), and, alternating very well the inner game with the outer releases, won the game by 83-75. In the form of a balance sheet, it is impossible not to make a huge compliment to our team, either for the soulful ability it has revealed to turn the game around after a third less successful period, as well as for the firm collective spirit it always reveals, which is the mark of a great team and an inspiration for its supporters. Although it is also appropriate to speak of individual highlights –the physical ‘wall’ of Stefan Djukic, Fred Gentry’s excellent professionalism, Alex Marzette’s versatility, Fábio Lima’s ‘magic’, Diogo Gameiro’s leadership, Devidas Kumelis’s ‘music’ and the union of the entire bank – what is very important is to celebrate the main value of this team, which is its cohesion. Congratulations, boys. Very strong, for we are with you!