Preview: Ulbra vs. Pato Basquete in NBB Clash

PATO BRANCO, Brazil (Interstat) — Two teams seeking to halt prolonged slides will meet Monday when Ulbra visits Pato Basquete in a Novo Basquete Brasil matchup at Ginásio do Sesi.

Both clubs enter with the worst records in the league. Ulbra (8-24) has lost five of its last six games. Pato Basquete (6-23) is mired in a seven-game losing streak. Their last meeting was a dramatic 109-101 double-overtime victory for Pato Basquete on Dec. 9.

The game features two of the league’s most consistent performers on struggling squads. Ulbra will lean on guard Luis Fernando Sacco, who is averaging 16.1 points and 4.1 assists over his last seven games. He scored 22 points in a loss to Paulistano on March 17 and 18 in a defeat to Corinthians last Thursday.

Pato Basquete counters with forward Danilo Roberto Marques Penteado, who has been a bright spot during the skid. He is averaging 12.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game this season and posted 17 points and six rebounds in a loss to Mogi das Cruzes on March 13.

Ulbra’s recent struggles include a 76-82 home loss to Sao Jose on March 23. Pato Basquete’s slump includes a 70-94 road defeat to Bauru on March 24. Both teams are coming off home losses on April 2.

The matchup represents a critical opportunity for either club to build momentum before difficult upcoming schedules. Ulbra hosts powerhouses Franca and Bauru next week. Pato Basquete begins a four-game road trip at Franca on Thursday.

Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. local time (2300 GMT) in Pato Branco.