FROM EUROBASKET NEWSIvan Almeida (198-G-89, college: Stonehill) and Joel Almeida (195-F-85, college: Brockport St.) win the Cup in Portugal together with their Vitoria SC became Portuguese Cup winners. They overcame Benfica in the title game on Sunday. Jose Silva (194-G/F-89) stepped up with 25 points to pace the winners. Ivan Almeida added 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists to get MVP award.
Vitoria SC stunned their opponents in the opening quarter. The Guimaraes team went on a 30:18 run in the first ten minutes. Benfica stopped the bleeding in the second quarter. The Reds cut the deficit to 7 points at the interval 40:47. The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter. Benfica stayed within striking distance trailing by just seven points at the final intermission 63:70. But Vitoria SC did not give them a chance to strike in the fourth frame. The Guimaraes team exploded with 30 points in the final period and ran away with the victory. Paulo Cunha finished with 20 points, while Dain Swetalla added 17 points for the winners. Joao Gomes answered with 21 points for Portugal. LaceDarius Dunn had 14 points in the loss.
Almeida was an All-Northeast-10 selection at Stonehill in 2010-11, helping the Skyhawks to a pair of NCAA Tournament bids during his two seasons with the program.