LDB U20 Round 8: Paulistano defeat Corinthians

Matheus Silva

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Corinthians (4-1) in Sao Paulo on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by Paulistano (5-0) 76-65. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Corinthians. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Guard Matheus Silva (189-2001) orchestrated the victory by scoring 18 points. Power forward Ruan Miranda (205-2001) contributed with 15 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Paulistano's coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Swingman Daniel Onwenu (198-2002) replied with 22 points and 8 rebounds for Corinthians. Undefeated Paulistano have an impressive five-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Pinheiros and Caxias do Sul. Corinthians at the other side dropped to the fifth place with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams.
Another exciting game for undefeated Minas (4-0) which played in Paraiba against one of their biggest challengers UniFacisa (4-1). Top-ranked Minas won 67-63. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of UniFacisa. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Yuri Neptune (201-2003) who helped to win the game recording 20 points and 9 rebounds and Daniel Duque who added 16 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Flavio Nascimento (-2001) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 17 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Minas have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place. UniFacisa at the other side dropped to the fifth position with one game lost. They share it with 3 other teams.
Bottom-ranked Sao Paulo is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their fifth consecutive match to seventeenth ranked Vasco da Gama (2-3) 69-55 on Friday evening. The winners were led by Caua Queiroz who had that evening a double-double by scoring 16 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Even 7 points and 16 rebounds by Joao Macedo did not help to save the game for Sao Paulo. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Vasco da Gama moved-up to fourteenth place, which they share with Brasilia. Loser Sao Paulo still closes the standings with five games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 8: SESI Franca beat Rio Claro on the road 81-69. Praia won against Cearense on its own court 93-75. Brasilia managed to outperform Cerrado in a road game 87-77.
The most impressive performance of 8th round was 29 points and 8 rebounds by Carlos Silva of Brasilia.