Benfica kicked off their Liga Betclic 2024/25 playoff campaign with a thrilling 99-87 win over V. Guimarães. The match was marked by a frenetic pace, with both teams combining for 30 three-pointers. Benfica’s 17 triples, made at a 44% clip, were a key factor in their victory. V. Guimarães shot 43% from beyond the arc, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the home side.
A dominant display
Benfica’s win maintains their undefeated streak at home in all national competitions since October 2023. The only blemish on their record was a loss to Oliveirense in the league and Taça Hugo dos Santos. V. Guimarães, on the other hand, had previously given Benfica a run for their money this season. The visitors had beaten the encarnados on several occasions, including in the Taça de Portugal and Taça Hugo dos Santos. However, Benfica have now beaten them five times this season.
The match got off to a wild start, with Zahir Porter scoring seven points in a 3-11 run for V. Guimarães. However, Benfica responded with a devastating 14-0 run, fueled by poor shooting and turnovers from the visitors. Aaron Broussard hit two three-pointers, and the home side added two more before the end of the first quarter to take control.
Tactical battle
V. Guimarães coach Miguel Miranda tried to limit Benfica’s scoring by employing a 2-1-2 zone defense. However, the visitors struggled to contain the home side’s offense. Benfica’s Trey Moses was a key factor, scoring 12 points and dishing out six assists.
As the game wore on, V. Guimarães tried to stay in the game with contributions from Pedro Pinto (18 points), Williams Loyd (14 points, 5 rebounds), and Pedro Bastos (11 points). However, Benfica’s João Gomes hit two crucial three-pointers to seal the win, stretching the lead to 97-85.
The second game of the best-of-three series is scheduled for Wednesday in Guimarães.