Benfica's men's basketball team defeated rival Sporting 91-78 last Sunday, securing third place at the Torneio Internacional Cidade de Viana do Castelo. The Second Circular derby served as a pre-season test for the team coached by Ainars Bagatskis, allowing the encarnados to gain competitive rhythm, consolidate tactical dynamics, and integrate the new signings into the squad.
Sporting started ahead during the first period, but the benfiquista response was overwhelming. The eagles turned the result around before halftime and went to the locker rooms leading 50-40 in the Minho city.
In the second half, Benfica masterfully managed their accumulated advantage and accelerated in the final quarter to set the final score at 91-78. The derby thus provided an expressive victory over the rival.
The signing Luke Barrett, 24 years old, stood out greatly as the top scorer for the Luz team with 16 points scored.
