The stage was set for a thrilling matchup as FC Porto faced off against Sporting in the semifinals of the Liga Betclic playoffs. Despite their 91-81 win in Game 1, FC Porto’s performance was underwhelming, to say the least. This time around, they came out swinging with a completely different attitude – more aggressive and better on defense.
Max Landis was on fire from beyond the arc, helping FC Porto build a commanding lead early on. By the end of the first quarter, they were up by a staggering 12 points, 25-13. Marble came off the bench to lend a hand, but physical issues limited his time on the court. Landis, however, continued to shine, nailing another triple to put FC Porto up 23 points, 49-26, just before halftime.
At the break, FC Porto was comfortably ahead by 21 points, 49-28, having held Sporting to just 28 points. LuÃs Magalhães likely had plenty to discuss with his team in the locker room.
The second half saw more of the same, with FC Porto dominating the court. Despite a brief reaction from Sporting, the outcome was never really in doubt. With six minutes left to play, Xeyrius Williams sunk one of two free throws, pushing the lead to 24 points, 55-31. Isaiah Armwood missed both his free throws on the ensuing possession. A few minutes later, Williams nailed a triple to give FC Porto a 25-point cushion, 59-34, and Sporting’s chances were all but extinguished.
In the final minute of the third quarter, Ward missed two free throws, summing up Sporting’s dismal afternoon. FC Porto eased up a bit, but still managed to take a 64-42 lead into the final quarter.
Sporting’s last gasp came in the final 10 minutes, but FC Porto remained confident, refusing to let their opponents close the gap. Even though Sporting outscored them 19-22 in the last quarter, it was too little, too late. FC Porto emerged victorious, 83-64, taking a 2-0 lead in the series and moving within one win of the Liga Betclic final.
The pressure is now on Sporting, who face a do-or-die matchup on Friday at Alvalade. A loss would all but end their title hopes, while a win would keep their dreams alive for Game 4, also in Lisbon.