Porto and Benfica qualified for the FIBA European Cup (European Cup) group stage, beating Nes Zionu Israel and Donar Groningen of Holland, respectively.
The Dragons beat Israel 79-70 in the final installment of this third-biggest club competition in continental basketball, a game in which Moncho Lopez’s greatest team figure was North American Jonathan Arledge, with 18 stitches and five rebounds.
As a reminder, FC Porto had already beaten the Cypriots of Keravnos 70-58 last Wednesday before defeating Nes Zionu in this qualifying pool, which took place in Pärnu, Estonia.
At the next stage, Porto’s rivals will be Hungary Szolnoki Olibanyas, Romania Oradea and Poland Legia Warsaw.
Benfica, who overtook Romanian Voluntari (83-77) in the semifinals, beat the home team in Groningen 81-73, with Ben Romdhein in the spotlight (19 points, five rebounds and four assists).
At the group stage, the Eagles will face Heroes Den Bosch (Netherlands), Parma (Russia) and Opava (Czech Republic).
Group stage picture:
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