Ginasio BIC claimed the Portuguese U18 men's Taca Nacional on Sunday, holding off Olivais FC 79-72 in a tense final to lift the trophy.
The Olhao side had reached the final by beating Lusitania in the semifinals, while Olivais earned their place in the title game. In a contest that swung back and forth, Ginasio BIC's third quarter proved decisive a 19-10 burst flipped a one-point halftime deficit (40-38 down... wait, the running score had it level) into a commanding lead that Olivais could not overhaul despite a strong fourth-quarter push.
After Olivais took the first quarter 19-18, Ginasio BIC edged ahead with a 22-19 second period to lead 40-38 at the break. The Olhao side then seized control with their dominant 19-10 third quarter to lead 59-48 entering the final period. Olivais rallied with a 24-20 fourth quarter, but the deficit was too deep to erase.
Interestingly, the tournament MVP came from the runners-up Olivais FC's Daniel Estronca was named the competition's most valuable player despite the final defeat. He was joined on the All-Tournament Five by teammate Pedro Moreira, along with David Bolea (2008), Guilherme Madureira, and Luis Janeiro (182-PG-2009) of Ginasio CO.
In the third-place game, CD Mar e Serra of Madeira beat the Azorean side to claim the bronze medal.