Portugal – LPB Round 7: Oliveirense hands first defeat to Benfica

JamesEllisor Benfica (6-1) recorded its first loss in Oliveira on Saturday night. Visitors were edged by eighth ranked Oliveirense (4-3) 78-75. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Benfica. The hosts trailed by 5 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 1-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 78-75. Oliveirense forced 27 Benfica turnovers. 26 personal fouls committed by Benfica helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American forward James Ellisor (195-90, college: Bemidji St.) fired 24 points for the winners. The former international center Elvis Evora (205-78) chipped in 13 points. American-Hungarian forward Damian Hollis (203-88, college: G.Washington) produced 22 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Oliveirense moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Vitoria SC. Benfica at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. Oliveirense is looking forward to face Lusitania (#11) in Angra in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Benfica will play at home against Sampaense (#12) and is hoping to win this game. Important game to mention about took place in Guimaraes. Sixth ranked Vitoria SC (4-3) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 3rd placed FC Porto Ferpinta (4-2) 74-71 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of FC Porto Ferpinta. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international forward Paulo Cunha (200-80) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 10 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Andrew Ferry contributed with 17 points for the winners. The former international swingman Jose Silva (194-89) answered with 21 points and 6 rebounds for FC Porto Ferpinta. FC Porto Ferpinta’s coach tried various players’ combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn’t help. Vitoria SC maintains sixth place with 4-3 record, which they share with Oliveirense. Defending champion FC Porto Ferpinta dropped to the fourth position with two games lost. They share it with CAB Madeira. Vitoria SC will play against Maia Basket (#10) on the road in the next round. FC Porto Ferpinta will play against CAB Madeira (#4) in Funchal and it may be a tough game between close rivals. The game with biggest result difference took place in Funchal. Local CAB Madeira (4-2) beat 10th ranked Maia Basket (2-5) 93-77 on Saturday night. Worth to mention a quality performance of Fabio Lima who helped to win the game recording 17 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. At the losing side Antonio Robinson responded with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. CAB Madeira moved-up to fourth place, which they share with FC Porto. Loser Maia Basket dropped to the ninth position with five games lost. They share it with Lusitania and Electrico FC. CAB Madeira will meet at home FC Porto Ferpinta (#5) in the next round. Maia Basket will play against Vitoria SC (#6) and hope to secure a win. In the last two games of round 7 Ovarense was defeated by Galitos-Barreiro in a road game 82-71. Lusitania was beaten by Electrico FC at home 62-75. Galitos-Barreiro – Ovarense 82-71There was no surprise when 8th ranked Ovarense (3-4) was defeated on the road by fifth ranked Galitos-Barreiro (5-2) 82-71 on Sunday. The hosts trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 47-32 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Galitos-Barreiro shot 66.7 percent from the field. They shot the lights out from three sinking 13 long-distance shots on high 59.1 percentage. It was a great evening for Canadian point guard Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson (178-91) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points and 5 assists (perfect from the field making all nine shots !!!). Naturalized Guinea-Bissau forward Josimar Cardoso (201-87) helped adding 17 points. Four Galitos-Barreiro players scored in double figures. At the …

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