Harden-Hayes earns MVP as Sporting hold off Benfica in Mother's Day thriller to claim third Taca Hugo dos Santos

Sporting CP captured their third Taca Hugo dos Santos with a nerve-shredding 79-77 victory over rivals SL Benfica at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Gondomar on Sunday, composure from the free-throw line in the dying seconds securing the Leoes' second trophy of the 2025-26 season in front of 1,067 fans.
The final was a fitting spectacle for a special occasion — played on Dia da Mae (Mother's Day), the pre-game introductions saw each player presented alongside the name of their mother in a touching tribute that set the tone for an emotional afternoon.
Sporting seized the initiative early, winning a low-scoring but intense first quarter 19-13 as neither side could find their offensive rhythm. The second period was the highest-scoring of the game, with Benfica outscoring Sporting 29-25 to trim the halftime deficit to just two points (42-44 in Sporting's favor).
Benfica came out of the break with renewed purpose, restricting Sporting to 15 third-quarter points while scoring 19 to take a 61-59 lead into the final period. With just two points separating the sides entering the fourth, the stage was set for a dramatic finale.
The final 10 minutes delivered exactly that. The lead changed hands multiple times in a breathless quarter before Sporting found the composure to pull ahead in the closing seconds. Crucially, the Leoes held their nerve from the free-throw line when it mattered most, converting the decisive charity stripe attempts to seal the 79-77 victory and the trophy.
Maleeck Harden-Hayes (201-G-2001, college: UNCW, agency: Players Group) was named both the game and the competition MVP after posting a well-rounded nine points, nine rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block for a 16 efficiency rating. For Benfica, Betinho Gomes (201-PF-1985) matched Harden-Hayes' 16 efficiency with 14 points, three rebounds, and a steal in an impressive losing effort.
The ceremony also marked a historic moment for Portuguese basketball, with newly elected FPB President Joao Carvalho — who had taken office earlier in the day — presiding over the event.