NBB Round 4 (Regular Season): Caxias do Sul hands first loss to Sesi/Franca

There were just four rounds played in Regular Season of NBB and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was the first loss of Vivo/Franca (3-1) in Sao Paulo on Tuesday night. Hosts were edged by top-ranked Caxias do Sul (2-0) 75-73. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Vivo/Franca. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international guard Humberto Silva (196-1995) who helped to win the game recording 13 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Felipe Vezaro (192-1992, college: TAMIU) contributed with 15 points and 4 assists for the winners. Caxias do Sul's coach Rodrigo Barbosa used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. The former international center Cristiano Felicio (210-1992, college: Oregon) replied with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds for Sesi/Franca. Caxias do Sul moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Brasilia. Sesi/Franca at the other side keeps the third position with one game lost. Caxias do Sul is looking forward to face Bauru (#12) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Sesi/Franca will play against U.Corinthians (#13) and is hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in Pato Branco. Top-ranked Minas (4-0) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging bottom-ranked Pato (0-4) 76-75 on Monday evening. Guest team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. Worth to mention a great performance of who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 7 rebounds and Erik McCree who added 13 points during the contest. At the losing side American guard Tradavis Thompson (188-2000, college: Lyn, agency: Starting 5) responded with 19 points and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Minas have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Flamengo. Pato at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. Minas will play against Cruzeiro (#17) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Pato will have a break next round.
Rio Claro's fans can celebrate the first win of their team after two consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Paulistano (1-2) 89-87 on Tuesday. The winners were led by Stan Scott who had that evening a double-double by scoring 22 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Even a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds by Leonardo Demetrio did not help to save the game for Paulistano. Paulistano's coach Demetrius Ferraciu rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Rio Claro left bottom position moving up to fourteenth place, which they share with defeated Paulistano. Rio Claro will meet at home Osasco (#18) in the next round. Paulistano will play against Brasilia (#4) having rather not much hope for a victory.

Other games in round 4 were not that significant. Winless Vasco was beaten by Sao Jose on the road 61-57. Bauru won against U.Corinthians on its own court 60-52. Botafogo was outscored by Mogi in Mogi das Cruzes 87-45. Sao Jose lost to undefeated Flamengo at home 72-88. Cruzeiro defeated Pato on the opponent's court 71-69. Corinthians beat Vasco in a home game 81-64.
The most impressive performance of 4th round was 17 points and 11 rebounds by Elyjah Clark of Corinthians.



Pato - Minas 75-76

Important game to mention about took place in Pato Branco. Top-ranked Minas (4-0) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging bottom-ranked Pato (0-4) 76-75 on Monday evening. Guest team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. Strangely Pato outrebounded Minas 45-32 including a 20-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 7 rebounds and American forward Erik McCree (202-1993, college: La Tech) who added 13 points during the contest. At the losing side American guard Tradavis Thompson (188-2000, college: Lyn, agency: Starting 5) responded with 19 points and 4 assists and center Joao Fidelis (205-2001) scored 13 points and 8 rebounds. Four Pato players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Minas have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Flamengo. Pato at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. Minas will play against Cruzeiro (#17) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Pato will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Minas: P.Alexandre 16+7reb+3ast, E.McCree 13+3reb, A.Juan 9+4reb+2ast, R.Rafael 8+2reb+1ast, B.Winicius 7+6reb, R.Fischer 7+1reb+5ast
Pato: T.Thompson 19+3reb+4ast, D.Souza Michel 14+5reb+1ast, J.Fidelis 13+8reb+2ast, P.Danilo 13+6reb+1ast, N.Lucas 7+7reb+4ast, E.Edu 6+9reb+1ast

Sao Jose - Vasco 61-57

No shocking result in a game when eighth ranked Sao Jose (2-2) beat at home bottom-ranked Vasco (0-5) 61-57 on Monday. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Sao Jose forced 23 Vasco turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by who had that evening a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds and the former international guard Adyel Borges (190-2002) supported him with 10 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. Even a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds by guard Luiz Basilio (192-1991) did not help to save the game for Vasco. American forward Erik McCree (202-1993, college: La Tech) added 13 points and 4 assists for lost side. Despite that victory Sao Jose went down to eleventh position due to points difference. Loser Vasco still closes the standings with five games lost. Sao Jose will meet at home Botafogo (#16) in the next round where they are favorite. Vasco will play against Mogi (#8) in Mogi das Cruzes and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Sao Jose: C.Leonardo 18+11reb+2ast, R.Anderson 12+5reb+1ast, A.Borges 10+3reb+6ast, G.Lessa 6+1reb+5ast, C.De Freitas 6+1reb+9ast, M.Miller 5+2reb
Vasco: L.Basilio 13+11reb+3ast, V.Alexsander 13+3reb+4ast, T.Mathias 12+4reb, P.Nunes 7+4reb+2ast, O.Elias 7+1reb+1ast, M.Silva 5+7reb

Sesi/Franca - Caxias do Sul 73-75

The most surprising game was the first loss of Vivo/Franca (3-1) in Sao Paulo on Tuesday night. Hosts were edged by top-ranked Caxias do Sul (2-0) 75-73. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Vivo/Franca. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international guard Humberto Silva (196-1995) who helped to win the game recording 13 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Felipe Vezaro (192-1992, college: TAMIU) contributed with 15 points and 4 assists for the winners. Caxias do Sul's coach Rodrigo Barbosa used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. The former international center Cristiano Felicio (210-1992, college: Oregon) replied with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds and international center Lucas Dias (207-1995) added 17 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Sesi/Franca. Caxias do Sul moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Brasilia. Sesi/Franca at the other side keeps the third position with one game lost. Caxias do Sul is looking forward to face Bauru (#12) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Sesi/Franca will play against U.Corinthians (#13) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Caxias do Sul: F.Vezaro 15+3reb+4ast, L.Augusto 13+2reb, H.Silva 13+9reb+4ast, O.Rafa 8+2reb, O.William 7+2reb+3ast, R.Fabrizzio 6+3reb+1ast
Sesi/Franca: L.Dias 17+6reb+1ast, C.Felicio 15+13reb+1ast, L.Juan 14+1reb+7ast, B.Cordero 9+5reb+1ast, M.Rafael 7+5reb+3ast, P.Barbosa 7+1reb+1ast

Bauru - U.Corinthians 60-52

There was an upset when higher ranked U.Corinthians (1-1) lost on the road to fifteenth ranked Paschoalotto/Bauru (2-3) 60-52 on Tuesday. The winners were led by who had that evening a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds and supported him with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Even 15 points by American power forward Devon Scott (205-1994, college: Dayton) did not help to save the game for U.Corinthians. The former international guard Adyel Borges (190-2002) added 8 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Bauru moved-up to twelfth place. Loser U.Corinthians dropped to the thirteenth position with one game lost. Bauru will meet at home higher ranked Caxias do Sul (#5) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. U.Corinthians will play against Sesi/Franca (#3) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Bauru: B.de Abreu Andrezao 18+12reb+2ast, E.Matheus 16+7reb+5ast, A.Garcia 10+4reb+4ast, I.Pedro 5+2ast, G.Gustavo 5+3reb+1ast, L.Vithinho 4+1reb
U.Corinthians: D.Scott 15+2reb+3ast, D.Rossetto 8+1reb+2ast, V.Fabricio 8+5reb+1ast, R.Hettsheimeir 6+3reb, N.Barnes 4+2reb+3ast, J.Hollowell 4+8reb+1ast

Rio Claro - Paulistano 89-87

Rio Claro's fans can celebrate the first win of their team after two consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Paulistano (1-2) 89-87 on Tuesday. The winners were led by American guard Stan Scott (193-1998, college: MSSU) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 22 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and Bosnian guard Marko Rikalo (187-1994) supported him with 23 points and 4 assists. Even a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds by the former international power forward Leonardo Demetrio (208-1994) did not help to save the game for Paulistano. Forward Lucas Siewert (208-1997, college: Colorado) added 18 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Paulistano's coach Demetrius Ferraciu rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Rio Claro left bottom position moving up to fourteenth place, which they share with defeated Paulistano. Rio Claro will meet at home Osasco (#18) in the next round. Paulistano will play against Brasilia (#4) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Rio Claro: M.Rikalo 23+1reb+4ast, S.Scott 22+11reb+4ast, D.Anjos Jonathan 15+5reb+1ast, S.Gemadinha 13+2reb+3ast, B.Matheus 8+13reb+2ast, V.Narcizio 4+4reb
Paulistano: L.Siewert 18+7reb, L.Demetrio 17+13reb+1ast, H.Kaleb 16+6reb+3ast, G.Abreu 11+4reb+3ast, L.Gabriel 7+3reb+5ast, L.Inacio 6+6reb+3ast

Mogi - Botafogo 87-45

Rather predictable result when twelfth ranked Mogi (2-1) rolled over 15th ranked Botafogo (1-3) in Mogi das Cruzes 87-45 on Wednesday. Mogi dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Botafogo's 26. Mogi forced 21 Botafogo turnovers and outrebounded them 40-25 including a 12-1 advantage in offensive rebounds. Mogi looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 6 passes made by Botafogo's players. The winners were led by who had that evening a double-double by scoring 15 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international center Andre Dikembe (206-1999) supported him with 10 points and 8 rebounds. Five Mogi players scored in double figures. Even 13 points by American guard Stan Scott (193-1998, college: MSSU) did not help to save the game for Botafogo. Bosnian guard Marko Rikalo (187-1994) added 8 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Mogi moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Botafogo dropped to the sixteenth position with three games lost. They share it with Cruzeiro. Mogi will meet at home bottom-ranked Vasco (#20) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Botafogo will play against Sao Jose (#11) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Mogi: B.Anderson 15+10reb+4ast, G.Campos 15+2reb+3ast, M.Raffael 13+3ast, A.Dikembe 10+8reb+3ast, C.Vinicius 10+3reb, C.Gabriel 9+1reb+2ast
Botafogo: B.Matheusinho 13+3ast, M.Emanuel 8+5reb, N.Felipe 7+3reb, S.Paulo 6+3reb, A.Alcassa 5+5reb, D.White 3+3reb

Sao Jose - Flamengo 72-88

Not a big story in a game when 8th ranked Sao Jose (2-2) lost at home to top-ranked Flamengo (4-0) 88-72 on Wednesday. Flamengo made 18-of-23 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. The winners were led by the former international point guard Alexey Borges (185-1995) who scored that evening 12 points and 8 assists and supported him with 15 points. Five Flamengo players scored in double figures. Flamengo's coach Sergio Hernandez used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 16 points and 6 rebounds by did not help to save the game for Sao Jose. The former international guard Adyel Borges (190-2002) added 10 points and 5 assists for lost side. Flamengo have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Minas. Loser Sao Jose dropped to the eleventh place with two games lost. Flamengo will meet Corinthians (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Sao Jose will play against Botafogo (#16) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Flamengo: N.Alex 15+4reb, D.Bost 12+3reb+3ast, W.Ferreira 12+4reb, A.Borges 12+3reb+8ast, S.Johnson 10+2reb+3ast, M.Cummings 10+2reb+1ast
Sao Jose: R.Anderson 16+6reb+1ast, N.Joao 11, A.Borges 10+4reb+5ast, G.Lessa 8+3reb+1ast, M.Miller 7+4reb+3ast, S.Gabriel 6+1reb

Pato - Cruzeiro 69-71

Everything could happen in Pato Branco at the game between two tied teams. Both seventeenth ranked Cruzeiro and bottom-ranked Pato had identical 0-3 record. But Pato was not able to use a home court advantage and was edged by the opponent from Cruzeiro 71-69 on Wednesday night. The winners were led by who had that evening a double-double by scoring 16 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists and center Wesley Sena (210-1996) supported him with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Cruzeiro's coach Thiago Perez allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Even 24 points and 8 rebounds by the former international point guard Alexey Borges (185-1995) did not help to save the game for Pato. added 10 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks for lost side. Cruzeiro (1-3) left bottom position moving up to sixteenth place, which they share with Botafogo. It was Pato's fourth loss in a row. They still close the standings with four games lost. Cruzeiro will meet at home league's second-placed Minas in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Pato will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Cruzeiro: W.Sena 16+7reb, A.Leonardo 16+14reb+6ast, B.Cassiano 8+5reb+2ast, I.Thornton 8+4reb+3ast, R.Ansaloni 8+6reb, C.Jamison 7+1reb+4ast
Pato: P.Danilo 24+8reb+2ast, T.Thompson 19+3reb+1ast, E.Edu 10+10reb+3ast, D.Souza Michel 9+6reb+2ast, B.Grigor 5+3reb+1ast, J.Fidelis 2+2ast

Corinthians - Vasco 81-64

There was no surprise when bottom-ranked Vasco (0-5) lost to eleventh ranked Corinthians (2-1) in Sao Paulo 64-81 on Wednesday. Corinthians made 21-of-26 free shots (80.8 percent) during the game. The winners were led by American guard Elyjah Clark (191-1998, college: MSSU) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds and the former international point guard Elio Corazza (195-1989, college: Miami Dade CC) supported him with 12 points and 8 assists. Even 15 points and 6 rebounds by center Thiago Mathias (208-1989, college: N.Mexico JC) did not help to save the game for Vasco. Guard Pedro Nunes (199-2000) added 13 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Corinthians moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Vasco still closes the standings with five games lost. Corinthians will meet at home league's leader Flamengo in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Vasco will play against Mogi (#8) in Mogi das Cruzes and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Corinthians: E.Clark 17+11reb+3ast, F.Tiago 12+2reb+2ast, E.Corazza 12+3reb+8ast, R.Munford 9+4reb+1ast, C.Victao 9+5reb, D.Thomas 9+1ast
Vasco: T.Mathias 15+6reb+3ast, P.Nunes 13+7reb+3ast, M.Silva 13+4reb+1ast, L.Basilio 8+4reb+1ast, O.Elias 7+3reb+3ast, V.Alexsander 5+3reb+2ast