The start of the Playoffs was highly anticipated. The match ups were interesting, perhaps more interesting was that it was the same match up from week one of the season. #2 ABC played #5 Predio, a must-see game every time they play each other. Going into this game, ABC had more to lose than Predio. The last time Predio beat ABC last was in 2015, however, ABC was favored to win the game. Predio made key additions after the All-Stars break and came prepared to play this game. They made key adjustments on defense in the second half to disrupt ABC’s game plan. ABC, surprisingly, struggled from the 3-pt line despite Yannick Paiva’s season high performance with 23-pts. The best player in this game was Max Barbosa of Predio, who played an excellent game with his intense shooting, finishing with 21-pts. The final score was 62-58. Predio upset ABC.
Yannick Paiva, guard ABC
Lerne Depina, guard Lenfer
#3 Lenfer played #4 Bairro. The last time these two teams played each other, the game ended with a 3 in overtime with Lenfer winning 94-92. Lenfer knew Bairro will only rely on their scorer, Tony Barros, to lead them to the finals, but Lenfer came ready to defend the perimeter. They limited Barros who averages 28-PPG to under 18-pts. Barros shot 23% from the 3-pt line, his season low. Both teams played intense and physical. Lerne Depina was outstanding. He played a solid game scoring 19-pts and slowing down the league’s top point guard, Steve de Souto, to three assists. Depina has emerged to become one of best shooters in the league at 43.2% from the 3-pt line and 88% in FT this season. Lenfer defeated Bairro 59-51. Bairro is eliminated from the playoffs.
#1 Campana Lança played #6 Volcanic, another game that everyone expected them to win by a large margin. They defeated Volcanic by 104-72. The entire team finished the game in double digits. Campana is well rounded with a strong bench and everyone can shoot on their team. Volcanic is eliminated from the playoffs.
The winning teams will advance to the round 2 as well as one losing team who lost by the least points. That team will be ABC since they only lost by 4 points. #2 ABC will face #1 Campana Lança and #3 Lenfer will face #5 Predio.
Don’t miss out this Sunday’s game @ 154 Centre Street in Dorchester, MA.
Valdemeiro Teixeira, forward Campana Lança
Follow the 2017 ACVB Playoffs at CVN Sports