Benfica defeated the Bakken Bears 94-79 on Wednesday, November 11, to maintain their solo lead in Group G of the FIBA Europe Cup.
The match at the Pavilhão Fidelidade was held behind closed doors as a preventive measure due to a national alert issued by the Government regarding severe weather conditions caused by the depression Charles, Sport Lisboa e, Benfica reported.
Despite the absence of supporters, the home side led for most of the encounter, allowing only the first basket to the Danish visitors before establishing control, A Bola stated. The scoring progression by quarter was 26-20, 50-42, 74-66, and 94-79 in favor of Benfica, according to BTV FIBA Europe Cup records.
The team led by Ainars Bagatskis only failed to win the third quarter, which ended 24-24. The hosts maintained a high shooting percentage, recording 53 percent from two-point range and 38.5 percent from three-point range, while forcing 20 turnovers from their opponents, Notícias ao, Minuto noted. However, Bagatskis said that the opposition managed to score 30 points through transition plays.
,autocrop(1200:630) "Photo: Abola")
Luke Barrett led the scoring for the hosts with 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists, including 15 points from three-point shots, the club’s official site confirmed. Luther Muhammad contributed 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Brandon Slater added 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, and Aaron Broussard provided 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists, CNN Portugal reported. Additionally, Geno Crandall recorded 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Other notable players for the visitors included Ian DuBose with 16 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists, and Myles Corey with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 rbl.
Regarding the offensive strategy, Luther Muhammad stated, “But the most important thing is that we won the game.” He said that after the first half, where the opponents scored many points in the paint, the primary objectives were to stop transitions, correct ball losses, and continue playing their style of basketball, according to Site Oficial do Sport Lisboa e Benfica.
🔥 Huge W!#BasketBenfica | #FIBAEuropeCup pic.twitter.com/SINjpx3wel
The decision to play without fans followed a government declaration of an alert status across mainland Portugal for Wednesday, November 11, between 00h00 and 23h59, Dia de, Jogo reported.
Wind gusts were expected to reach 120 km/h, with the potential to exceed 150 km/h if a “sting jet” phenomenon—a rapid downward air current within an extratropical depression—were to form, SAPO explained. This phenomenon previously occurred during storm Kristin earlier this year.
The Ministry of Internal Administration warned of risks including flooding, falling trees, and disruptions to energy and communication networks, Dia de, Jogo added. The alert also required safety measures regarding temporary structures such as scaffolding, advertising elements, placards, covers, and awnings. The situation required reinforced readiness for the PSP, GNR, fire departments, medical and social emergency teams, and response teams from telecommunications and energy distributors.
Gabriel Kalscheur was the top scorer for the Lisbon side with 18 points, CNN Portugal noted. Other contributors included Gustavo Teixeira with 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, and Javian Davis with 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists. For the hosts, Malik Johnson recorded 23 points and 6 assists.
Benfica is scheduled to play against Yukatel Denizli Basket in Turkey on Tuesday, November 17, at 17:00, the Federação Portuguesa de, Basquetebol reported. Benfica’s next home game is against CAB Madeira on Saturday, November 14, at 16:00 at the Pavilhão Fidelidade.