Benfica Strengthens Its Lead in the Portuguese League by Defeating Sporting CP

Lisbon's Clubs Clash in a Thrilling Match

S.L. Benfica extended its advantage atop the Portuguese League standings with a hard-fought 95-89 victory over arch-rivals Sporting CP at the Pavilhão Fidelidade on Sunday, February 12, 2023.

The game was a close affair throughout, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to establish a significant lead.

Key Moments in the Game

• Benfica took a slim 49-46 lead into the break.
• Sporting CP rallied in the third quarter to briefly take the lead, but Benfica responded with a 10-0 run to regain control.
• The fourth quarter was a tense battle, with both teams fighting for every possession.
• Benfica ultimately prevailed thanks to clutch free throw shooting down the stretch.

Top Performers

For Benfica, Terrell Carter led the scoring with 25 points, followed by Ivan Almeida with 18 points and Musa Jallow with 17 points.

For Sporting CP, Marcus Foster scored a game-high 27 points, while Travante Williams added 19 points and Mateus Costa finished with 13 points.

League Standings and Implications

With the victory, Benfica improved its record to 20-3 and extended its lead over second-placed Sporting CP to two games.

The win also marked Benfica's seventh consecutive victory in the league and keeps them on course for a third straight championship.