Author: Monojit Mandal
The NBB quarter-finals have come to an end, with two fierce clashes determining the remaining semi-finalists. Minas and Franca won and advanced to the next round of the tournament.
Minas and Paulistano fought a battle inside the UniBH Arena. The home team gained an early lead in the first quarter, winning by six points, 18-12. However, Paulistano recovered in the second quarter, winning the fourth by 22-16 to tie the game.
The third quarter was a low-scoring affair, with Minas regaining the lead by outscoring their opponents 15-7. The game remained tight until the end, with Paulistano trying to overturn the deficit. Despite their best efforts, they fell short, and Minas won with a final score of 71-67. Shaquille Johnson, Minas’ point guard, was the game’s top scorer, scoring 17 points for his team. Crescenzi scored 20 points for Paulistano
Sesi Franca and Unifacisa played for the last available semi-final spot in another dramatic clash. With the series tied at 2-2, the two teams fought tooth and nail to advance. Franca got off to an excellent start in front of their home crowd at the Pedroco Gymnasium, winning the first quarter 23-15. Unifacisa, on the other hand, responded in the second quarter, beating Franca 24-18 to take the lead.
The third quarter was very busy, with Unifacisa maintaining their lead and winning the period 23-15. Franca, on the other hand, made an incredible comeback in the fourth quarter, regaining the lead. The team from São Paulo demonstrated their supremacy by recording a decisive 27-12 quarter and eventually winning the game 83-74. Lucas Mariano, Franca’s pivot, was fundamental, dominating the scoresheet with an incredible 26 points.
The quarter-finals are over and the semi-finals are about to begin. Minas and Franca will face each other in a group, in what promises to be an entertaining clash between two motivated teams. Flamengo, who eliminated Bauru, will face São Paulo in the other group.
Tijuca Tennis Club will host the first semi-final match between Flamengo and São Paulo. After a victorious campaign against Pinheiros, São Paulo advanced to the semi-finals. Basketball fans can expect exciting games as the remaining teams fight for a place in the NBB finals.
Results
Franca 83 – 74 Unifacisa
Minas 71 – 67 Paulistano