CAB went to Maia to break the 'gut'

The CAB went north of the country to try to reverse the bad luck that has characterized the start of the season. Against Maia, a team that ascended to the League this year, the game was faced with difficulty, as the opponent is very organized and disciplined to play. With an experienced and high-quality squad, Maia would not make life easier for Friends, who would have to apply themselves in depth to come out victorious. The match began very well for the CAB, which won the first period by 11-18. The advantage in the marker was, essentially, the result of a great defensive attitude on the part of the CAB, which affected those guided by João Freitas to counter the strengths of the Maia. From the defense, the CAB develops its attack, making effective choices, though not always perfect. The second period was even better for the CAB, which won by 7-14. The break came with the marker in 18-32, with the advantage of belonging to the Madeirans, who were more confident, more concentrated and totally determined to return home with the first victory in the championship. Even so, it was necessary to maintain concentration, because the experience and quality of the Maya would certainly dictate a second very competitive part. Resuming the game was best for Maia, which tied the period (16-16). On the side of the CAB, we noticed some tiredness, because defensive fit was being smaller, as well as attack selections, which were less achieved than had been the case in the first two periods. The end of the third period arrived with the marker in 34-48, in favor of visitors. In the last period, the CAB was frankly ill and allowed itself to be dominated by the men of the house. The advantage of 14 points with which the CAB had started the final stage of the meeting was gradually disappearing, with Maia giving clear signs that he wanted to win the meeting and would do so. The CAB defense, which had been consistent throughout the match, yielded unexpectedly and the home players managed to make a number of baskets unanswered. Maia's baskets and CAB's ball losses made the Madeirans' advantage scarcely three points at the last minute of play. There was more than enough time for the roles to reverse and the Friends to go from winners to losers. In the midst of so much excitement, one wondered which team would have the most iron nerves to endure the last moments of the match... The men guided by João Freitas, who annulled the final attack of Maia and brought to Madeira the first victory of the season, winning the game by 57-60. When the horn rang, the bank of the CAB exploded with joy, and in Madeira, where 'suffering' from a distance, breathed of relief and happiness. In individual terms: Nuno Sousa, Ricky Franklin (11 points, 11 assists), Jorge Freitas (9 points), José Correia, Edson Rosario (1 points, 4 points), Fabio Lima (11 points, 4 points), Jobi Wall (7 points, 7 points), Frederico Tavares, Aaron Anderson (21 points, 16 points, MVP of the meeting) and Nuno Baptista.