CBB Round 5: Cruzeiro beat Sorocabana by two after a very close game

Pedro Lima

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 5 in the CBB took place in Sorocabana. This derby game ended with only two-point home defeat of 4th placed Sorocabana (3-5) to first ranked Cruzeiro (6-1) 76-74 on Tuesday evening. Cruzeiro made 20-of-26 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game. 26 personal fouls committed by Sorocabana helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Pedro Lima (191-1987) orchestrated the victory by scoring 30 points and 9 rebounds. Jose Carlos (200-1997) contributed with 13 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Guard Lucas Rosa (193-1994) answered with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals for Sorocabana. Sorocabana's coach Roberto Jayme tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Cruzeiro have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 6-1 record. Sorocabana at the other side keeps the fourth position with five games lost. Cruzeiro are looking forward to face Santos (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Sorocabana will have a break next round.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Osasco (3-3) against fourth ranked Araraquara (3-3) on Friday night. Visiting Osasco was crushed by Araraquara in Araraquara 107-72. The former international point guard Welington Santos (185-1981) stepped up and scored 20 points and 7 assists for the winners and Abner Moreira chipped in 14 points and 7 rebounds. Naturalized Italian point guard Paulinho Boracini (183-1984) responded with 20 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Araraquara moved-up to third place, which they share with defeated Osasco. Araraquara will play against league's leader Brusque at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Osasco will play against the league's leader Brusque and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game for Praia (5-2) which played road game in Sorocabana against 4th placed Sorocabana (3-5). Second ranked Praia managed to get a 10-point victory 71-61. Raffael Mencarini nailed 27 points for the winning side. Aquiles Ferreira came up with 18 points and 6 rebounds for Sorocabana in the defeat. Praia maintains second place with 5-2 record behind leader Cruzeiro. Loser Sorocabana keeps the fourth position with five games lost. Praia will meet at home Santos (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Sorocabana will have a break next round.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 5: Praia beat Pinda on the road 87-76. Winless Pinda lost to Cruzeiro on its own court 82-98. Winless Vitoria was outscored by Blumenau in a road game 54-100. Brusque rolled over Vitoria at home 80-52. Winless Pinda was defeated by Santos on the opponent's court 85-68.
The most impressive performance of 5th round was 9 points and 8 assists by Jean Oliveira of Santos.