SAO PAULO (Interstat) — The Corinthians built a commanding first-half lead and never looked back, defeating Botafogo 90-75 in a Brazilian NBB matchup on Monday at Ginasio Wlamir Marques. The home team surged ahead with a 48-point first half, creating a deficit Botafogo could not overcome despite a stronger second-half effort.

Rafael Monteiro led all scorers with 25 points for Corinthians, who improved to 3-2. Lucas Pereira added 14 points and seven rebounds. Botafogo, which fell to 1-5, was led by Felipe da Silva Nunes Paulino with 15 points. Corinthians shot 54 percent from the floor and made 14 three-pointers in the victory.