Superiority in the second and fourth periods was not enough

The CAB men's team received Benfica's training for the third game of the ‘series’ between the two teams, played ‘at the best’ of five games. with the partial tied with a win for each side, the game presented itself as decisive for both formations, which needed to win in order to take a step towards the clearance for the next stage. Due to the huge display of the CAB in the previous game, which resulted in a victory of the Friends in the difficult terrain of the Light, Benfica was expected to enter the game with a high aggressiveness, trying to condition the strengths of the CAB, valuing its ‘luxury’ squad and trying to solve the game early. It was up to the CAB to resist and put their arguments in the field, dignifying the club and also the many people who were in the CAB Pavilion to support the Madeira team. Balance was the dominant note of the first period. As you would expect, Benfica bet a lot on the rotation of his squad, trying to print a strong rhythm to the game, in order to wear out the CAB, and then replacing its players, in order to ensure ‘fresh legs’ of those inside the field. The CAB came in with great defensive concerns and doing a good job in stopping the leading players Lisbon. In the attack, the releases of Friends were not recording the effectiveness of the custom, which is perhaps the main reason why visitors won the first partial by 15-21, since in all aspects of the game the two formations were very balanced. In the second half, the CAB was better than Benfica. Despite the point draw in the second ten minutes of the game (14-14), the Friends were better team because they were more cohesive defensively, and in the attack, mastering the times and rhythms of the game. A note that remains at this stage of the meeting is the physical character of the match, because the two teams put in the field a lot of delivery and a lot of combative spirit, which gave a good show to the many who filled the pavilion. On the return of the break, which had arrived with the marker in 29-35, still in favor of the Lisboners, the Benfica team revealed great aggressiveness and willingness to ‘resolve the game’ quickly. In fact, visitors managed to improve a 12 point advantage, much thanks to individual moves. However, the CAB did not let go and restored the balance in the game, demonstrating great collective sense and much union. After a partial of 19-22, in favor of the continentals, the third half ended with an overall result of 48-57. In the last period, the CAB was superior to Benfica (19-18) and managed to demonstrate a great defensive capacity. However, Friends have not been as well as their habit in two chapters, namely the emphasis and effectiveness of the external launch, aspects that prevented them from being even more competitive. In the end the victory was Benfica (67-75), but the CAB again showed all its merit and all its collective value. Indeed, Friends have shown why they are one of the best basketball teams in the country and why they are an example of collective union. With the ‘series’ to be led by the Lisbon class (2-1), the two teams return to measure forces tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. in the CAB Pavilion.