NBB Round 6 (Regular Season): Cearense beat Pinheiros by three after a very close game

NBB is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 6 rounds left. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Fifteenth-ranked Pinheiros (2-6) was very close to win a game against first ranked Fortaleza (7-1) on Tuesday. Fortaleza managed to secure only three-point victory 87-84. However their fans expected much easier game. Strangely Pinheiros outrebounded Cearense 37-17 including a 19-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a good game for Argentinian point guard Sebastian Orresta (188-1993) who led his team to a victory with 19 points and 7 assists (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Eddy Carvalho (197-1987) contributed with 20 points for the winners. point guard Adyel Borges (188-2002) replied with 24 points for Pinheiros. Pinheiros' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Fortaleza have a solid four-game winning streak. Despite that victory Cearense went down to second position due to points difference. Pinheiros lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifteenth place with six games lost. Fortaleza are looking forward to face league's leader Minas in Belo Horizonte in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Pinheiros' supporters also look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Sao Paulo to the arena Corinthians.
Mogi's fans can finally celebrate the first win of their team after eight consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Botafogo (2-9) 86-81. Point guard Lucas Lacerda (180-1997) scored 14 points and 9 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Vinicius Pastor chipped in 11 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was American guard Isaac Thornton (193-1991, college: Fairmont St.) with 20 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Mogi maintains nineteenth position with 1-8 record. Newly promoted Botafogo dropped to the eighteenth place with nine games lost. Mogi will play against higher ranked Brasilia (#17) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Botafogo will play against Paschoalotto/Bauru and hopes to get back on the winning track.
NBB top team - Fortaleza (7-1) managed to deliver another win on Thursday. This time they beat thirteenth ranked Corinthians (3-5) 78-65. Douglas Nunes notched 16 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort. Even 17 points (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) by Elyjah Clark did not help to save the game for Corinthians. Corinthians' coach Silvio Santander tested eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Fortaleza have a solid four-game winning streak. Despite that victory Cearense went down to second position due to points difference. Corinthians lost third consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth place with five games lost. Fortaleza will meet league's leader Minas in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Corinthians' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Sao Paulo Pinheiros.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 6: Luvix/Uniao Corinthians was smashed by Zapone Gocil/Bauru Basket on the road 95-67. Sao Paulo FC destroyed Pato Basquete on its own court 89-67. Clube de Regatas do Flamengo unfortunately lost to Sao Jose dos Campos in a road game 64-82. Paulistano/Corpore Sao Paolo managed to beat Pato Basquete at home 79-68. Caxias do Sul Basquete was crushed by Zapone Gocil/Bauru Basket on the opponent's court 94-59. Sesi Franca Basquete Sao Paulo smashed Luvix/Uniao Corinthians in a home game 101-56. Botafogo Rio de Janeiro was destroyed by Sao Jose dos Campos on the road 96-72. UniFacisa Paraiba managed to outperform Esporte Clube Pinheiros Sao Paolo on its own court 85-78. Clube de Regatas do Flamengo managed to beat Mogi das Cruzes Basquete in Rio de Janeiro 95-86. Sao Paulo FC was defeated by Minas Belo Horizonte at home 75-83. BRB/Brasilia was smashed by Cerrado Basquete Brasilia on the opponent's court 84-53. Sesi Franca Basquete Sao Paulo destroyed Caxias do Sul Basquete in a home game 89-60. Sport Club Corinthians Paulista unfortunately lost to UniFacisa Paraiba on the road 75-76. Bottom-ranked Mogi das Cruzes Basquete recorded a loss to CR Vasco Da Gama Rio de Janeiro on its own court 79-95. Minas Belo Horizonte defeated Paulistano/Corpore Sao Paolo in a road game 86-71.
The most impressive performance of 6th round was 23 points and 7 rebounds by Luciano Gonzalez of Minas.



Bauru - U.Corinthians 95-67

No shocking result in a game when seventh ranked Paschoalotto/Bauru (6-4) crushed at home 11th ranked U.Corinthians (4-5) 95-67 on Monday. Bauru made 25-of-31 free shots (80.6 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Anderson Rodrigues (207-1997) notched 14 points and 8 rebounds to lead the effort and the former international guard Alex Garcia (190-1980, agency: Interperformances) supported him with 14 points and 6 assists. Five Paschoalotto/Bauru players scored in double figures. Even 16 points and 9 rebounds by American forward Duane Johnson (201-1991, college: ESU) did not help to save the game for U.Corinthians. Serbian guard Radovan Djokovic (196-1996) added 9 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Bauru maintains seventh position with 6-4 record. U.Corinthians lost third consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with five games lost. They share the position with Caxias do Sul. Paschoalotto/Bauru will meet higher ranked Vasco da Gama (#4) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. U.Corinthians will play against Sao Paulo (#14) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
U.Corinthians: D.Johnson 16+9reb+1ast, C.Jamison 15+4reb, A.Coimbra 9+3reb+1ast, R.Djokovic 9+6reb+5ast, F.Thaylor 5+1reb+2ast, M.Vinicius 5+4reb+1ast
Bauru: R.Anderson 14+8reb+2ast, A.Garcia 14+3reb+6ast, D.Brite 13+3reb+3ast, D.Cruz Felipe 12+4reb, P.Mendonca 11+1reb+2ast, G.Sacco 11+4reb+4ast

Mogi - Botafogo 86-81

Mogi's fans can finally celebrate the first win of their team after eight consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Botafogo (2-9) 86-81. Mogi shot the lights out from three nailing 15 long-distance shots on high 51.7 percentage. Point guard Lucas Lacerda (180-1997) scored 14 points and 9 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Vinicius Pastor (199-1990) chipped in 11 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was American guard Isaac Thornton (193-1991, college: Fairmont St.) with 20 points and point guard Matheusinho Brito (184-2000) scored 14 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Mogi maintains nineteenth position with 1-8 record. Newly promoted Botafogo dropped to the eighteenth place with nine games lost. Mogi will play against higher ranked Brasilia (#17) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Botafogo will play against Paschoalotto/Bauru and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Botafogo: I.Thornton 20+4reb+3ast, M.Brito 14+5reb+6ast, A.Augusto 13+2reb, J.Smith 10+5reb+3ast, E.Matias 10+11reb+3ast, R.Santiago 7+1ast
Mogi: S.Stallworth 17+1reb, L.Lacerda 14+2reb+9ast, C.Ware 14+5reb+1ast, L.Paulo Dos Santos 12+4reb+1ast, V.Pastor 11+9reb+2ast, G.Lessa 11+3reb+4ast

Sao Paulo - Pato 89-67

There was an upset when higher ranked Pato (5-6) was smashed on the road by fourteenth ranked Sao Paulo (3-6) 89-67 on Monday. The hosts trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 49-23 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Sao Paulo outrebounded Pato 35-21 including a 24-12 advantage in defensive rebounds. The former international point guard Ricardo Fischer (183-1991) notched 22 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort and American guard Malcolm Miller (201-1991, college: Southern) supported him with 24 points and 5 rebounds. Even 16 points and 6 rebounds by Venezuelan swingman Jose Materan (196-1996) did not help to save the game for Pato. Center Gabriel Novaes (208-2001) added 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Sao Paulo maintains fourteenth position with 3-6 record. Pato at the other side dropped to the tenth place with six games lost. Sao Paulo will meet higher ranked U.Corinthians (#11) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Pato will play against UNIFACISA and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Pato: J.Materan 16+6reb+1ast, N.Gabriel 13+5reb+5ast, E.Sommer 9+1reb+1ast, A.Pecos 8+1reb+2ast, N.Barnes 5+3ast, D.Penteado 5+2reb
Sao Paulo: M.Miller 24+5reb+3ast, R.Fischer 22+7reb+6ast, R.Ansaloni 13+9reb, C.Bennett 8+2reb, H.Coelho 7+4reb+4ast, V.Faverani 7+1reb

Cearense - Pinheiros 87-84

Fifteenth-ranked Pinheiros (2-6) was very close to win a game against first ranked Fortaleza (7-1) on Tuesday. Fortaleza managed to secure only three-point victory 87-84. However their fans expected much easier game. Strangely Pinheiros outrebounded Cearense 37-17 including a 19-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a good game for Argentinian point guard Sebastian Orresta (188-1993) who led his team to a victory with 19 points and 7 assists (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Eddy Carvalho (197-1987) contributed with 20 points for the winners. Point guard Adyel Borges (188-2002) replied with 24 points and Argentinian Lisandro Rasio (198-1990) added 17 points and 8 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) in the effort for Pinheiros. Five Cearense and four Pinheiros players scored in double figures. Pinheiros' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Fortaleza have a solid four-game winning streak. Despite that victory Cearense went down to second position due to points difference. Pinheiros lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifteenth place with six games lost. Fortaleza are looking forward to face league's leader Minas in Belo Horizonte in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Pinheiros' supporters also look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Sao Paulo to the arena Corinthians.
Top scorers:
Pinheiros: B.Adyel 24+4reb, L.Rasio 17+8reb+2ast, J.Oliveira 17+4reb, S.Agapy 14+8reb, F.Ruivo 6+4reb+6ast, B.Yan 5+4reb+1ast
Cearense: E.Carvalho 20+1reb+2ast, S.Orresta 19+2reb+7ast, F.Queiros 14+1reb, F.Salsamendi 14+1ast, W.Buford 10+2reb, C.Bueno 6+3reb+3ast

Sao Jose - Flamengo 82-64

There was a small surprise when ninth ranked Sao Jose (5-3) won against at home 7th ranked Flamengo (6-2) 82-64 on Tuesday. Sao Jose made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Power forward Renato Carbonari (202-1987) notched 11 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and Argentinian point guard Diego Figueredo (185-1991, agency: BIG) supported him with 13 points and 8 assists. Four Sao Jose players scored in double figures. Even 18 points and 5 rebounds by the former international guard Didi Louzada (195-1999) did not help to save the game for Flamengo. Argentinian point guard Franco Balbi (188-1989) added 9 points and 4 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Sao Jose have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to eighth place, which they share with UniFacisa. Flamengo at the other side dropped to the fifth position with two games lost. Sao Jose will meet Cerrado (#16) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Flamengo will play against Vivo/Franca (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Flamengo: D.Louzada 18+5reb+1ast, M.Filipovity 12+2reb, F.Balbi 9+3reb+4ast, G.Pereira 9+2reb+2ast, N.Diarra 6+2reb, G.Galvanini 4+5reb+2ast
Sao Jose: P.Chourio 16+2reb+4ast, D.Silva 13+4reb+1ast, D.Figueredo 13+2reb+8ast, R.Carbonari 11+9reb+4ast, A.Bernardi 8+1reb+1ast, A.Leao 8+4reb+2ast

Paulistano - Pato 79-68

Not a big story in a game when 8th ranked Pato (5-6) lost to fifth ranked Paulistano (6-3) in Sao Paulo 68-79 on Wednesday. Paulistano looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Argentinian point guard Santiago Ferreyra (188-1997) notched 22 points and 5 assists to lead the effort and naturalized American guard Kevin Crescenzi (192-1993, college: Dartmouth) supported him with 19 points and 4 assists. Paulistano's coach used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds by guard Fabricio Verissimo (192-1998) did not help to save the game for Pato. The former international point guard Arthur Pecos (180-1994) added 16 points and 4 assists. Paulistano have an impressive six-game winning streak. Despite that victory Paulistano went down to sixth position due to points difference. Pato at the other side dropped to the tenth place with six games lost. Paulistano will meet Caxias do Sul (#12) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Pato will play against UNIFACISA and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Pato: A.Pecos 16+3reb+4ast, M.De Souza 12+6reb+1ast, F.Verissimo 12+10reb+1ast, N.Gabriel 9+3reb+2ast, S.Magna 5+1reb, J.Materan 5+3reb+2ast
Paulistano: S.Ferreyra 22+2reb+5ast, K.Crescenzi 19+4reb+4ast, V.Camilo 12+6reb+1ast, C.Bruno 7+3reb, B.Anderson 6+6reb+2ast, A.Andre 6+3reb+3ast

Bauru - Caxias do Sul 94-59

Everything went according to plan when seventh ranked Paschoalotto/Bauru (6-4) outplayed at home 11th ranked Caxias do Sul (4-5) 94-59 on Wednesday. Bauru made 18-of-23 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. The former international guard Alex Garcia (190-1980, agency: Interperformances) notched 20 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and Argentinian point guard Martin Cabrera (179-1996) supported him with 13 points and 6 assists. Four Paschoalotto/Bauru players scored in double figures. Even 12 points by center Wesley Sena (210-1996) did not help to save the game for Caxias do Sul. American point guard Kenny Dawkins (177-1987, college: Lamar) added 6 points and 4 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Bauru maintains seventh position with 6-4 record. Caxias do Sul lost third consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with five games lost. They share the position with U.Corinthians. Paschoalotto/Bauru will meet higher ranked Vasco da Gama (#4) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Caxias do Sul will play against Paulistano (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Caxias do Sul: W.Sena 12+4reb+1ast, W.Alves 9+3reb+2ast, C.Vinicius 7+5reb, R.Oliveira 7+2reb+1ast, D.Conceicao 7+5reb+1ast, K.Dawkins 6+4reb+4ast
Bauru: A.Garcia 20+8reb+4ast, D.Brite 15+1reb+3ast, R.Anderson 13+4reb, M.Cabrera 13+2reb+6ast, L.Taylor 10+1reb, M.Maciel 9+7reb

Sesi Franca - U.Corinthians 101-56

There was no surprise when 11th ranked U.Corinthians (4-5) was outleveled by third ranked Vivo/Franca (7-2) in Sao Paulo 101-56 on Wednesday. Sesi Franca dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to U.Corinthians' 20. They outrebounded U.Corinthians 49-23 including a 36-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Sesi Franca looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. International center Lucas Silva (208-1995) notched a double-double by scoring 21 points and 14 rebounds to lead the effort and the former international power forward Marcio Santos (204-2002) supported him with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Four Vivo/Franca players scored in double figures. Even 15 points by American guard Kendall Stephens (198-1994, college: Nevada) did not help to save the game for U.Corinthians. His fellow American import forward Duane Johnson (201-1991, college: ESU) added 5 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Vivo/Franca have a solid three-game winning streak. Sesi Franca maintains third position with 7-2 record behind leader Minas, which they share with Vasco da Gama. U.Corinthians lost third consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with five games lost. They share the position with Caxias do Sul. Vivo/Franca will meet Flamengo (#5) in the next round. U.Corinthians will play against Sao Paulo (#14) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
U.Corinthians: K.Stephens 15+1reb+1ast, C.Arthur 11+2reb+1ast, R.Djokovic 10+2reb+3ast, M.Vinicius 6+2reb+1ast, D.Johnson 5+6reb+4ast, A.Coimbra 4+3reb+2ast
Sesi Franca: L.Silva 21+14reb+3ast, S.Marcio 18+7reb+1ast, W.Ferreira 17+6reb, M.Nathan 11+1reb, B.Paulo 10+2reb+3ast, E.Edu 7+8reb+1ast

Cearense - Corinthians 78-65

NBB top team - Fortaleza (7-1) managed to deliver another win on Thursday. This time they beat thirteenth ranked Corinthians (3-5) 78-65. Douglas Nunes (210-1987) notched 16 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort and Felipe Queiros (201-1998) supported him with 13 points and 6 rebounds. Four Fortaleza players scored in double figures. Even 17 points (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) by American guard Elyjah Clark (190-1998, college: MSSU) did not help to save the game for Corinthians. The former international point guard Elinho Corazza (191-1989, college: Miami Dade CC) added 7 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Corinthians' coach Silvio Santander tested eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Fortaleza have a solid four-game winning streak. Despite that victory Cearense went down to second position due to points difference. Corinthians lost third consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth place with five games lost. Fortaleza will meet league's leader Minas in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Corinthians' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Sao Paulo Pinheiros.
Top scorers:
Corinthians: E.Clark 17+2reb, O.Daniel 10+4reb+1ast, L.Demetrio 9+7reb, C.Borges 9+4reb+1ast, E.Corazza 7+6reb+4ast, R.Kauan 5+2reb
Cearense: D.McClanahan 17+3reb+1ast, D.Nunes 16+7reb+1ast, F.Queiros 13+6reb+3ast, S.Orresta 11+3reb+7ast, C.Bueno 6+2reb+3ast, W.Buford 5+5reb+1ast

Sao Jose - Botafogo 96-72

No shocking result in a game when ninth ranked Sao Jose (5-3) crushed at home 17th ranked Botafogo (2-9) 96-72 on Thursday. Sao Jose dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Botafogo's 36. Sao Jose forced 19 Botafogo turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Venezuelan guard Pedro Chourio (196-1990, agency: Pro Sports) notched 22 points and 5 assists (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and Douglas Silva (201-1998) supported him with 22 points and 6 rebounds. Even 16 points and 6 assists by American point guard Jamaal Smith (176-1985, college: N.Mexico) did not help to save the game for Botafogo. Power forward Augusto Alcassa (211-2000) added 14 points and 6 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Sao Jose have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to eighth place, which they share with UniFacisa. Newly promoted Botafogo dropped to the eighteenth position with nine games lost. Sao Jose will meet Cerrado (#16) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Botafogo will play against Paschoalotto/Bauru and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Botafogo: J.Smith 16+2reb+6ast, A.Augusto 14+6reb+1ast, I.Thornton 12+1reb+2ast, E.Matias 11+7reb+2ast, P.Vieira 9+5reb+1ast, M.Brito 6
Sao Jose: P.Chourio 22+3reb+5ast, D.Silva 22+6reb+1ast, A.Leao 11+2reb+5ast, A.Bernardi 10+3reb+2ast, L.Lema 8+2reb+4ast, D.Figueredo 8+2reb+2ast

UniFacisa - Pinheiros 85-78

Very expected game when 15th ranked Pinheiros (2-6) lost to tenth ranked UNIFACISA (5-3) in Paraiba 78-85 on Thursday. Argentinian-Italian point guard Facundo Corvalan (190-1998) notched 18 points and 4 assists to lead the effort and Bahamas David Nesbitt (203-1991, college: St.Thomas, FL) supported him with 16 points and 7 rebounds (perfect from the field making all seven shots !!!). Five UNIFACISA players scored in double figures. Even 12 points and 8 rebounds by Argentinian Lisandro Rasio (198-1990) did not help to save the game for Pinheiros. Forward Paulo Scheuer (203-1999) added 15 points and 5 rebounds (perfect from the field making all seven shots !!!). Pinheiros' coach let to play eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. UniFacisa moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Sao Jose. Pinheiros lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifteenth position with six games lost. UNIFACISA will meet Pato (#10) in the next round. Pinheiros' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Sao Paulo to the arena Corinthians.
Top scorers:
Pinheiros: S.Paulo 15+5reb, F.Aguerre 14+5reb, L.Rasio 12+8reb+2ast, J.Oliveira 9+2reb+1ast, F.Tiago 7+1reb+3ast, S.Agapy 6+3reb+1ast
UniFacisa: F.Corvalan 18+2reb+4ast, D.Nesbitt 16+7reb, M.Solanas 13+4reb+4ast, G.Hubner 13+9reb, T.Gaskins 10+3reb+6ast, A.Bresolin 8+4reb+4ast

Mogi - Flamengo 86-95

Very predictable result when seventh ranked Flamengo (6-2) won against bottom-ranked Mogi (1-8) in Mogi das Cruzes 95-86 on Thursday. Flamengo shot 61.4 percent from the field. Argentinian point guard Franco Balbi (188-1989) notched 19 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the effort and Hungarian Marko Filipovity (204-1996, agency: Octagon Europe) supported him with 16 points. Even 24 points and 6 assists by point guard Lucas Lacerda (180-1997) did not help to save the game for Mogi. American center Chris Ware (203-1989, college: Indiana Tech) added 18 points and 6 rebounds. Four Mogi players scored in double figures. Mogi's coach Fernando Penna let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Flamengo moved-up to fifth place. Mogi at the other side stay at the bottom position with eight games lost. Flamengo will meet at home higher ranked Vivo/Franca (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Mogi will play against Brasilia (#17) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Mogi: L.Lacerda 24+2reb+6ast, C.Ware 18+6reb+2ast, M.Iago 12+2reb, S.Stallworth 11+4reb+5ast, S.Lukas 10+1reb, L.Paulo Dos Santos 4+1reb+2ast
Flamengo: F.Balbi 19+6reb+5ast, M.Filipovity 16+2reb+1ast, D.Louzada 16+2ast, G.Pereira 14+3ast, N.Diarra 10+2reb, M.Cuello 9+5reb+3ast

Sao Paulo - Minas 75-83

Not a big story in a game when 14th ranked Sao Paulo (3-6) lost at home to second ranked Minas (8-1) 83-75 on Thursday. Minas shot the lights out from three sinking 17 long-distance shots on high 51.5 percentage. Argentinian point guard Franco Baralle (185-1999) notched 18 points and 5 assists to lead the effort and the former international forward Rafael Mineiro (208-1988) supported him with 13 points and 9 rebounds. Even 7 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks by American guard Malcolm Miller (201-1991, college: Southern) did not help to save the game for Sao Paulo. Center Ralfi Ansaloni (211-1987) added 13 points and 5 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Minas keeps a position of league leader. Sao Paulo at the other side keeps the fourteenth place with six games lost. Minas will meet at home league's second-placed Fortaleza in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Sao Paulo will play against U.Corinthians (#11) in Santa Cruz do Sul and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sao Paulo: C.Bennett 13+1reb+3ast, R.Ansaloni 13+5reb+1ast, H.Coelho 11+4reb+4ast, R.Fischer 11+3reb+3ast, T.Curnell 8+2reb, M.Miller 7+7reb+6ast
Minas: F.Baralle 18+2reb+5ast, R.Mineiro 13+9reb+2ast, L.Gonzalez 10+6reb+1ast, N.Copello 10+2reb+7ast, F.Vezaro 9+1reb+1ast, A.Paranhos 8+7reb+2ast

Cerrado - Brasilia 84-53

There was a small surprise when eighteenth ranked Cerrado (2-7) outplayed at home 15th ranked Brasilia (2-7) 84-53 on Friday. Cerrado dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Brasilia's 26. They outrebounded Brasilia 41-24 including a 34-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. Cerrado looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Center Andre Barbosa de Abreu (212-2002) notched 13 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and guard Daniel Von Haydin (194-1999) supported him with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Cerrado players scored in double figures. Even 17 points and 6 rebounds by guard Paulo Da Costa (193-1994) did not help to save the game for Brasilia. American guard Thomas Cooper (196-1992, college: Calgary) added 13 points and 5 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Cerrado moved-up to sixteenth place, which they share with defeated Brasilia. Brasilia lost sixth consecutive game. Cerrado will meet at home higher ranked Sao Jose (#9) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Brasilia will play against Mogi (#19) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Brasilia: P.Da Costa 17+6reb+1ast, T.Cooper 13+5reb+1ast, C.Alaekwe 11+2reb, A.Dalaqua 6+2reb+5ast, A.Allan 2+1reb+1ast, D.Ramos 2+1reb+1ast
Cerrado: B.de Abreu Andre 13+9reb+4ast, G.Santos 13+3reb+2ast, V.Haydin Daniel 11+5reb+5ast, T.Dias 10+4reb+3ast, W.Green 9+7reb, D.Rossetto 9+1reb+5ast

Sesi Franca - Caxias do Sul 89-60

There was no surprise when 11th ranked Caxias do Sul (4-5) was outleveled by third ranked Vivo/Franca (7-2) in Sao Paulo 89-60 on Friday. Sesi Franca dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Caxias do Sul's 34. They outrebounded Caxias do Sul 41-24 including a 30-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. International center Lucas Silva (208-1995) notched 22 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort and the former international power forward Marcio Santos (204-2002) supported him with 21 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field). Four Vivo/Franca players scored in double figures. Vivo/Franca's coach Helinho Garcia felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 14 points and 5 assists by American point guard Kenny Dawkins (177-1987, college: Lamar) did not help to save the game for Caxias do Sul. Wesley Alves (198-1996) added 9 points and 6 rebounds. Vivo/Franca have a solid three-game winning streak. Sesi Franca maintains third position with 7-2 record behind leader Minas, which they share with Vasco da Gama. Caxias do Sul lost third consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with five games lost. They share the position with U.Corinthians. Vivo/Franca will meet Flamengo (#5) in the next round. Caxias do Sul will play against Paulistano (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Caxias do Sul: K.Dawkins 14+3reb+5ast, W.Sena 12, W.Alves 9+6reb, C.Leonardo 7+2reb+1ast, D.Conceicao 5, C.Vinicius 4+4reb+1ast
Sesi Franca: L.Silva 22+6reb+3ast, S.Marcio 21+6reb, B.Paulo 13+1reb+1ast, W.Ferreira 10+5reb+3ast, S.Scala 8+2reb+4ast, F.Nathan 5+3reb

UniFacisa - Corinthians 76-75

No shocking result in a game when tenth ranked UNIFACISA (5-3) edged 13th ranked Corinthians (3-5) in Paraiba 76-75 on Saturday. Point guard Vithor Lersch (184-1995) notched 11 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists to lead the effort and Argentinian-Italian point guard Facundo Corvalan (190-1998) supported him with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Four UNIFACISA players scored in double figures. Even 25 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists by the former international guard Caue Borges (187-1991) did not help to save the game for Corinthians. The former international point guard Elinho Corazza (191-1989, college: Miami Dade CC) added 14 points and 5 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. UniFacisa moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Sao Jose. Corinthians lost third consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with five games lost. UNIFACISA will meet Pato (#10) in the next round. Corinthians' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Sao Paulo Pinheiros.
Top scorers:
Corinthians: C.Borges 25+8reb+4ast, E.Clark 15+6reb+1ast, E.Corazza 14+4reb+5ast, L.Caue 8+1reb, O.Daniel 6+3reb, L.Demetrio 5+9reb
UniFacisa: F.Corvalan 14+5reb+1ast, A.Bresolin 11+6reb+3ast, R.Rafael 11+7reb, V.Lersch 11+5reb+9ast, D.Nesbitt 10+1ast, M.Solanas 8+2reb+1ast

Mogi - Vasco da Gama 79-95

Very expected game when 19th ranked Mogi (1-8) lost to sixth ranked Vasco da Gama (7-2) in Mogi das Cruzes 79-95 on Saturday. Vasco da Gama made 16-of-18 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Rafael Paulichi (201-1998) notched 30 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort and the former international forward Marquinhos Vieira (207-1984) supported him with 20 points. Even 30 points and 5 assists by point guard Lucas Lacerda (180-1997) did not help to save the game for Mogi. Power forward Luiz Paulo Dos Santos (210-1989, college: Slippery Rock) added 12 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Vasco da Gama have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Sesi Franca. Mogi at the other side stay at the bottom position with eight games lost. Vasco da Gama will meet at home Paschoalotto/Bauru (#7) in the next round. Mogi will play against Brasilia (#17) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Mogi: L.Lacerda 30+1reb+5ast, G.Lessa 13+1reb+3ast, L.Paulo Dos Santos 12+6reb+1ast, S.Stallworth 7+6reb+1ast, S.Lukas 5, M.Iago 5+2reb+1ast
Vasco da Gama: R.Paulichi 30+7reb+1ast, M.Vieira 20+4reb+2ast, E.Matheus 19+2reb+4ast, C.Freitas 7+7reb+10ast, T.Mathias 6+4reb+1ast, L.Basilio 6+3ast

Paulistano - Minas 71-86

Rather predictable result when second ranked Minas (8-1) won against 5th ranked Paulistano (6-3) in Sao Paulo 86-71 on Saturday. Minas shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 52.2 percentage. Guard Felipe Vezaro (192-1992, college: TAMIU) notched 24 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort and Argentinian guard Luciano Gonzalez (194-1990) supported him with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Even 15 points and 4 assists by Argentinian point guard Santiago Ferreyra (188-1997) did not help to save the game for Paulistano. Victor Camilo (203-1997) added 13 points and 6 rebounds. Four Minas and five Paulistano players scored in double figures. Paulistano's coach let to play eleven players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Minas keeps a position of league leader. Paulistano at the other side dropped to the sixth place with three games lost. Minas will meet at home league's second-placed Fortaleza in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Paulistano will play against Caxias do Sul (#12) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Paulistano: S.Ferreyra 15+3reb+4ast, V.Camilo 13+6reb+2ast, A.Andre 12+4reb+1ast, C.Bruno 10+7reb+1ast, B.Anderson 10+4reb+1ast, L.Doria 7+4reb
Minas: F.Vezaro 24+6reb+2ast, L.Gonzalez 23+7reb, F.Baralle 17+5reb+6ast, A.Paranhos 10, G.Barbosa 8+4reb+1ast, R.Mineiro 2+4reb+2ast