NBB Round 26 (Regular Season): Vasco da Gama beat Paulistano by three after a very close game

The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute surprises and upsets. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Seventh-ranked Paulistano (18-13) was very close to win a game against fourth ranked Vasco da Gama (23-8) in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday. Vasco da Gama managed to secure only three-point victory 73-70. However their fans expected easier game. Vasco da Gama looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Rafael Paulichi (201-1998) orchestrated the victory by scoring 17 points and 6 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). The former international forward Marquinhos Vieira (207-1984) contributed with 13 points and 6 assists for the winners. Vasco da Gama's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Victor Camilo (203-1997) replied with 21 points for Paulistano. Newly promoted Vasco da Gama maintains fourth position with 23-8 record. Paulistano at the other side keeps the seventh place with 13 games lost. Vasco da Gama are looking forward to face Sao Paulo (#11) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Paulistano will play against Cerrado (#16) and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
NBB top team - Flamengo (27-5) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat seventh ranked Paulistano (18-13) in Rio de Janeiro 81-68. The former international Gabriel Galvanini (202-1998) had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Franco Balbi chipped in 16 points and 5 assists during the contest. Naturalized American guard Kevin Crescenzi (192-1993, college: Dartmouth) responded with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Paulistano's coach Renan Custodio rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Flamengo have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 27-5 record, which they share with Sesi Franca. Paulistano at the other side keeps the seventh place with 13 games lost. Flamengo will play against Cearense (#8) in Fortaleza in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Paulistano will play at home against Cerrado and hopes to get back on the winning track.
NBB top team - Flamengo (27-5) managed to deliver another win on Thursday. This time they beat eleventh ranked Sao Paulo (15-16) in Rio de Janeiro 88-78. Olivinha Rodriguez notched 20 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort. Even 16 points and 5 rebounds by Cordero Bennett did not help to save the game for Sao Paulo. Flamengo have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 27-5 record, which they share with Sesi Franca. Loser Sao Paulo keeps the eleventh place with 16 games lost. Flamengo will meet Cearense (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Sao Paulo will play against Brasilia and hope to secure a win.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 26: Bauru beat Cerrado on the road 86-69. Minas destroyed Pinheiros on its own court 81-51. Cearense managed to outperform U.Corinthians in Fortaleza 93-85. Caxias do Sul recorded a loss to Sesi Franca at home 79-89. Bauru crushed Brasilia on the opponent's court 103-84. Pato beat Corinthians in a home game 100-87. Sesi Franca won against U.Corinthians on the road 96-84.
The most impressive performance of 26th round was 26 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists by Lucas Dias of Sesi Franca.



Cerrado - Bauru 69-86

No shocking result in a game when fifth ranked Paschoalotto/Bauru (23-11) beat 16th ranked Cerrado (8-23) in Brasilia 86-69 on Tuesday. Bauru dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Cerrado's 30. Strangely Cerrado outrebounded Bauru 40-27 including a 17-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. Bauru looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The former international guard Alex Garcia (190-1980, agency: Interperformances) notched 13 points and 8 assists to lead the effort and Anderson Rodrigues (207-1997) supported him with 14 points and 6 rebounds (perfect from the field making all seven shots !!!). Five Paschoalotto/Bauru players scored in double figures. Even 17 points and 6 rebounds by guard Matheus Silva (189-2001) did not help to save the game for Cerrado. The former international point guard David Rossetto (184-1992) added 8 points and 5 rebounds for the hosts. Cerrado's coach Regis Marrelli tested ten players seeing no chance for a win. Paschoalotto/Bauru have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain fifth position with 23-11 record. Cerrado lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the sixteenth place with 23 games lost. Bauru will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Cerrado will play against Paulistano (#7) in Sao Paulo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Cerrado: S.Matheus 17+6reb+3ast, S.Henrique 10+2reb+2ast, G.Santos 8+3reb+2ast, D.Rossetto 8+5reb+3ast, T.Dias 6+5reb, B.Honorato 6
Bauru: M.Maciel 15+5reb, R.Anderson 14+6reb+2ast, A.Garcia 13+4reb+8ast, J.Hollowell 12+4reb+3ast, D.Brite 11+4reb+6ast, G.Sacco 9+1reb+3ast

Flamengo - Paulistano 81-68

NBB top team - Flamengo (27-5) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat seventh ranked Paulistano (18-13) in Rio de Janeiro 81-68. Flamengo outrebounded Paulistano 38-26 including 29 on the defensive glass. The former international Gabriel Galvanini (202-1998) had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Argentinian point guard Franco Balbi (188-1989) chipped in 16 points and 5 assists during the contest. Four Flamengo players scored in double figures. Naturalized American guard Kevin Crescenzi (192-1993, college: Dartmouth) responded with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and Argentinian point guard Santiago Ferreyra (188-1997) scored 13 points. Paulistano's coach Renan Custodio rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Flamengo have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 27-5 record, which they share with Sesi Franca. Paulistano at the other side keeps the seventh place with 13 games lost. Flamengo will play against Cearense (#8) in Fortaleza in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Paulistano will play at home against Cerrado and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Paulistano: K.Crescenzi 16+5reb+4ast, S.Ferreyra 13+3reb+2ast, A.Andre 11+6reb+1ast, C.Bruno 9+2reb+1ast, L.Doria 8+3reb+3ast, V.Camilo 6+3reb+2ast
Flamengo: G.Pereira 17+2reb+1ast, F.Balbi 16+4reb+5ast, G.Galvanini 16+13reb+3ast, O.Rodriguez 16+7reb+1ast, D.Scott 7+3reb+1ast, M.Cuello 3+1reb+2ast

Minas - Pinheiros 81-51

Very expected game when 12th ranked Pinheiros (13-18) was smashed by third ranked Minas (24-8) in Belo Horizonte 81-51 on Wednesday. Minas outrebounded Pinheiros 42-25 including a 28-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. Minas looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Forward Alexandre Paranhos (204-1992) notched 11 points and 8 rebounds to lead the effort and Germerson Barbosa (205-1993) supported him with 11 points and 6 rebounds. Even 15 points by point guard Adyel Borges (188-2002) did not help to save the game for Pinheiros. The former international Jimmy Oliveira (190-1990) added 10 points and 5 rebounds for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Minas maintains third position with 24-8 record having just three points less than leader Flamengo. Pinheiros lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the thirteenth place with 18 games lost. Minas will meet at home Corinthians (#9) in the next round where they are favorite. Pinheiros will play against Pato (#12) in Pato Branco and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Pinheiros: B.Adyel 15+3reb, S.Borovnjak 10+2reb+1ast, J.Oliveira 10+5reb, F.Tiago 5+1reb+1ast, F.Aguerre 5+4reb+3ast, S.Paulo 4
Minas: D.Fuzaro 13+3reb+3ast, G.Barbosa 11+6reb+2ast, A.Paranhos 11+8reb+1ast, L.Gonzalez 9+1reb+4ast, F.Baralle 8+5reb+5ast, R.Lenz 8+4reb

U.Corinthians - Cearense 85-93

Very predictable result when ninth ranked Fortaleza (18-14) won against 14th ranked U.Corinthians (10-23) in Santa Cruz do Sul 93-85 on Wednesday. Cearense shot 65.5 percent from the field. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American swingman Dexter McClanahan (193-1997, college: Nicholls St.) notched 28 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort and point guard Cassiano Bueno (189-1997) supported him with 18 points, 8 assists and 4 steals. Even 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) by guard Pedro Nunes (197-2008) did not help to save the game for U.Corinthians. Argentinian guard Enzo Ruiz (194-1988) added 22 points for the hosts. Five Cearense and four U.Corinthians players scored in double figures. Fortaleza have a solid three-game winning streak. Cearense moved-up to eighth place. U.Corinthians lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the fourteenth position with 23 games lost. Cearense will meet at home league's leader Flamengo in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. U.Corinthians will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
U.Corinthians: E.Ruiz 22+3reb+3ast, P.Nunes 17+7reb+4ast, D.Johnson 11+9reb+6ast, C.Jamison 10+3reb+2ast, K.Stephens 8+1reb, L.Machado Jr. 7+1ast
Cearense: D.McClanahan 28+6reb+6ast, C.Bueno 18+3reb+8ast, E.Ewing 17+3reb+2ast, D.Nunes 13+5reb+1ast, S.Orresta 10+1reb+2ast, E.Carvalho 5+1reb+1ast

Caxias do Sul - Sesi Franca 79-89

Not a big story in a game when 17th ranked Caxias do Sul (8-24) lost at home to second ranked Vivo/Franca (27-5) 89-79 on Wednesday. Sesi Franca made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. International center Lucas Dias (208-1995) notched 30 points to lead the effort and the former international power forward Marcio Santos (204-2002) supported him with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Vivo/Franca's coach Helinho Garcia allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 22 points and 5 rebounds by American point guard Kenny Dawkins (177-1987, college: Lamar) did not help to save the game for Caxias do Sul. Argentinian point guard Alejandro Konsztadt (191-1989) added 14 points for the hosts. Four Caxias do Sul players scored in double figures. Vivo/Franca have a solid three-game winning streak. Sesi Franca keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Flamengo. Caxias do Sul lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the seventeenth place with 24 games lost. They share the position with Mogi. Sesi Franca will meet at home Sao Jose (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Caxias do Sul will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Caxias do Sul: K.Dawkins 22+5reb+2ast, A.Konsztadt 14+4reb+2ast, C.Leonardo 10+4reb, C.Vinicius 10+3reb+1ast, W.Sena 9+1reb+3ast, D.Conceicao 6+3reb+4ast
Sesi Franca: L.Dias 30+4reb+1ast, S.Marcio 13+5reb, S.Scala 10+3ast, C.Hinkle 9+3reb+2ast, H.Guillent 7+3reb+3ast, W.Ferreira 6+4reb+2ast

Brasilia - Bauru 84-103

Everything went according to plan when fifth ranked Paschoalotto/Bauru (23-11) outplayed on the road bottom-ranked Brasilia (4-27) 103-84 on Thursday. Bauru dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Brasilia's 28. Bauru looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Brasilia's players. American point guard Dontrell Brite (175-1994, college: Mount Olive) notched 18 points and 4 assists to lead the effort and naturalized American point guard Larry Taylor (183-1980, college: MWSU) supported him with 21 points. Paschoalotto/Bauru's coach Everton Moraes allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 23 points and 9 rebounds by American guard Thomas Cooper (196-1992, college: Calgary) did not help to save the game for Brasilia. Emerson Lima (197-2001) added 19 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts. Five Bauru and four Brasilia players scored in double figures. Paschoalotto/Bauru have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain fifth position with 23-11 record. Brasilia lost ninth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 27 lost games. Bauru will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Brasilia will play against Sao Paulo (#11) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Brasilia: T.Cooper 23+9reb+3ast, L.Emerson 19+7reb, C.Alaekwe 17+2reb+2ast, A.Dalaqua 13+4reb+3ast, S.Gustavo 7+1reb, D.Ramos 5+4reb
Bauru: L.Taylor 21+1reb+3ast, D.Brite 18+4reb+4ast, A.Garcia 16+3reb+6ast, G.Sacco 13+2reb+5ast, R.Anderson 12+3reb+1ast, M.Maciel 10+12reb

Pato - Corinthians 100-87

There was an upset when higher ranked Corinthians (17-14) lost to thirteenth ranked Pato (14-18) in Pato Branco 87-100 on Thursday. American point guard Nate Barnes (182-1990, college: ABU) notched 29 points and 4 assists to lead the effort and Venezuelan swingman Jose Materan (196-1996) supported him with 20 points and 8 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Pato's coach Jece Leite allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even a double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds by the former international forward Leonardo Demetrio (203-1994) did not help to save the game for Corinthians. The former international guard Caue Borges (187-1991) added 19 points and 4 assists for the guests. Five Pato and four Corinthians players scored in double figures. Pato have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to twelfth place. Loser Corinthians keeps the ninth position with 14 games lost. Pato will meet at home Pinheiros (#13) in the next round. Corinthians will play against Minas (#3) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Corinthians: C.Borges 19+4ast, L.Caue 15+2reb, L.Demetrio 14+15reb, E.Clark 12+3reb+3ast, R.Hettsheimeir 10+3reb, I.Goncalves 7+1reb
Pato: N.Barnes 29+3reb+4ast, J.Materan 20+8reb, N.Gabriel 17+3reb+2ast, M.De Souza 11+3reb+3ast, S.Magna 10+6reb+1ast, E.Sommer 7+6reb+1ast

Flamengo - Sao Paulo 88-78

NBB top team - Flamengo (27-5) managed to deliver another win on Thursday. This time they beat eleventh ranked Sao Paulo (15-16) in Rio de Janeiro 88-78. The former international forward Olivinha Rodriguez (202-1983) notched 20 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort and Argentinian point guard Franco Balbi (188-1989) supported him with 16 points and 5 assists. Even 16 points and 5 rebounds by American guard Cordero Bennett (185-1988) did not help to save the game for Sao Paulo. The former international Betinho Duarte (195-1988) added 8 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the guests. Flamengo have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 27-5 record, which they share with Sesi Franca. Loser Sao Paulo keeps the eleventh place with 16 games lost. Flamengo will meet Cearense (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Sao Paulo will play against Brasilia and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sao Paulo: C.Bennett 16+5reb+3ast, M.Miller 15+2reb+1ast, L.Siewert 14+6reb, T.Curnell 9+1reb+1ast, R.Fischer 9+3reb+7ast, B.Duarte 8+8reb+4ast
Flamengo: O.Rodriguez 20+6reb, M.Tavares 18+3reb, F.Balbi 16+1reb+5ast, G.Pereira 10+3reb+3ast, D.Louzada 9+6reb+2ast, G.Galvanini 8+6reb+3ast

Vasco da Gama - Paulistano 73-70

Seventh-ranked Paulistano (18-13) was very close to win a game against fourth ranked Vasco da Gama (23-8) in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday. Vasco da Gama managed to secure only three-point victory 73-70. However their fans expected easier game. Vasco da Gama looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Rafael Paulichi (201-1998) orchestrated the victory by scoring 17 points and 6 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). The former international forward Marquinhos Vieira (207-1984) contributed with 13 points and 6 assists for the winners. Five Vasco da Gama players scored in double figures. Vasco da Gama's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Victor Camilo (203-1997) replied with 21 points and Argentinian point guard Santiago Ferreyra (188-1997) added 16 points and 5 assists in the effort for Paulistano. Newly promoted Vasco da Gama maintains fourth position with 23-8 record. Paulistano at the other side keeps the seventh place with 13 games lost. Vasco da Gama are looking forward to face Sao Paulo (#11) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Paulistano will play against Cerrado (#16) and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Paulistano: V.Camilo 21+4reb+2ast, S.Ferreyra 16+1reb+5ast, K.Crescenzi 8+2reb+2ast, L.Doria 6+4reb+1ast, C.Bruno 6+4reb+1ast, A.Andre 6+6reb+2ast
Vasco da Gama: R.Paulichi 17+6reb+2ast, F.Russo 14+1reb+1ast, M.Vieira 13+3reb+6ast, E.Matheus 12+5reb+4ast, L.Basilio 10+4reb+2ast, C.Sergio 4+3reb+1ast

U.Corinthians - Sesi Franca 84-96

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Vivo/Franca (27-5) beat 14th ranked U.Corinthians (10-23) in Santa Cruz do Sul 96-84 on Friday. Sesi Franca made 21-of-27 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. Sesi Franca had a 32-19 advantage in offensive rebounds. International center Lucas Dias (208-1995) notched a double-double by scoring 26 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and American guard David Jackson (190-1982, college: Penn St.) supported him with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists (perfect from the field making all six shots). Even 17 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists by American forward Duane Johnson (201-1991, college: ESU) did not help to save the game for U.Corinthians. Argentinian guard Enzo Ruiz (194-1988) added 12 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Vivo/Franca have a solid three-game winning streak. Sesi Franca keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Flamengo. U.Corinthians lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the fourteenth place with 23 games lost. Sesi Franca will meet at home Sao Jose (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. U.Corinthians will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
U.Corinthians: D.Johnson 17+8reb+6ast, C.Jamison 16+3reb+1ast, M.Vinicius 14+5reb+1ast, E.Ruiz 12+7reb+3ast, L.Machado Jr. 8+3reb+1ast, P.Nunes 8+3reb+2ast
Sesi Franca: L.Dias 26+11reb+4ast, D.Jackson 17+5reb+7ast, S.Scala 16+2reb+2ast, W.Ferreira 16+3reb+1ast, C.Hinkle 6+7reb+1ast, H.Guillent 6+5reb+3ast