Quinta dos Lombos put an end to Benfica’s sequence of nine consecutive titles in women’s basketball – this season they had already won the Super Cup, the Vítor Hugo Cup and the Federation Cup – by winning the Portuguese Cup, winning by 53-51. Surprising result, as this was Benfica’s first defeat in domestic competitions this season!
′′ We were more anxious than usual, but the opponent has merit. We have the notion that we wouldn’t always be invincible, but this defeat doesn’t erase what good we’ve done so far», concluded Benfica coach Eugénio Rodrigues.
The final, held at the Municipal Pavilion of Pedrouços, in Maia, was quite balanced and almost always with the emblem of Carcavelos in front. However, at the start of the last period, Benfica was winning by 46-43.
In the last 10′, nerves and bad decisions on both sides were the keynote of the match, which fell to Quinta dos Lombos. In the last move of the game, Raphaella Monteiro (8 points and eight rebounds) missed a shot that would lead to extra time.
«We played well and controlled the emotions of a final, decided in the details. And with such a small difference, I cannot highlight factors of the game», underlined the coach of Quinta dos Lombos, José Leite, who saw Luiana Livolo (9 points and 10 rebounds) crowned MVP of the match.
In addition to Lu, highlight, in the winners, for Rosemarie Julien (12 pts and 7 rebounds) and Inês Faustino (16 p, 4 res and 4 assists). At eagles, Carolina Rodrigues (10 pts and 8 res) was the most inspired.