Author: Monojit Mandal
São Paulo 92 – 94 Franca
Franca took a 2-1 lead with a 94-92 win over São Paulo in Game 3 of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) Final Series. The series will last up to five wins for one of the teams.
David Jackson, who scored an incredible 25 points for Franca, and Lucas Mariano, who added 16 points to the team’s victory, were the highlights of the game. Due to an appendicitis problem, Lucas Dias was unable to play for Franca.
Ralfi Ansaloni, a pivot for São Paulo, led the team in scoring with 20 points. The Tricolor were also led by Eltinho (11 points) and Miller (15 points).
São Paulo led Franca by just one point in the first quarter. Marquinhos, the home team’s shooting guard, took charge and led the scoring with 12 points. Lucas Mariano (6 points) and David Jackson (7 points) stood out for Franca, however. The Tricolor won the preliminary round 27-23.
With Franca coming back, the tide turned in the second quarter. The away team changed their defensive tactics, eliminating São Paulo’s advantage. Franca controlled the quarter with a great team effort, ending on 29-20 and leading 52-47 at the break.
In the third quarter, São Paulo recovered. Their defense tightened up, allowing Franca just 19 points in 10 minutes. Ansaloni stood out offensively, scoring seven points and making the most of his teammates. The Tricolor regained the lead, winning 72-71.
The contest culminated when David Jackson hit the game-winning shot on the final whistle. São Paulo led the game 92-91 with 2.4 seconds left on the clock. However, Franca quickly took control of the offensive production and secured the winning basket, taking the victory out of Tricolor’s hands.
The next decisive match between the two teams is scheduled for Thursday (8), at 17:30 (Brasília time), at the Pedroco Gymnasium in Franca. The visitors, São Paulo, are under extreme pressure, as a win will keep their chances of qualifying for the series alive.