Nine-time African champions Angola won their showdown with Cape Verde 106-64 to clinch the title of 2nd Lusophone Games in Almada, Portugal.
Armando Costa and Carlos Morais scored 18 and 19 points, respectively, for the winners who are coming into form at just the right time with the AfroBasket tipping off at the beginning of August in Libya.
The most valuable player of AfroBasket 2007, Joaquim Gomes, poured in 12 points and grabbed 16 rebounds – a performance that earned him the honor of the MVP of the final.
“Angola played a good game and we lacked some organization,” Cape Verde captain Rodrigo Mascarenhas said to FIBA.com.
Former Providence College guard Jeff Xavier led Cape Verde with 19 points but that was not enough to guide his team to the upset.
Cape Verde’s recently appointed coach, Nigerian Alex Nwora, couldn’t be at the final after making an emergency trip home. He will rejoin the team next Wednesday in Rio Maior, Portugal.
Cape Verde, who captured bronze in the African Championship 2007, surprisingly beat Portugal 67-66 in the Semi-Final.
Portugal started the event as defending champions, having claimed the title three years ago in Macao.
The Portuguese overcame Brazil 95-71 to claim the bronze this year.
Cape Verde are also preparing for the AfroBasket.
Julio Chitunda