SAO PAULO (Interstat) — A surging Paulistano squad will look to solidify its position near the top of the Novo Basquete Brasil standings when it hosts a struggling Paraiba team on Friday night at Ginásio Antônio Prado Júnior.

Paulistano (16-7) enters the matchup with momentum, coming off a dominant 104-83 victory over Minas on Feb. 22. The team has won three of its last five, with forward Guilherme Abreu emerging as a consistent force. Abreu is averaging 14.8 points and 8.4 rebounds over his last five games, including a 23-point, 11-rebound performance in a win over Osasco on Feb. 7.

Paraiba (10-13), meanwhile, has lost three of its last four and seeks to regain the form that delivered an 82-67 win over Pato Basquete on Feb. 21. Guard Yohanner Sifontes led that effort with 12 points, six rebounds and five assists, but has been inconsistent in recent road contests. Paraiba’s season has been marked by narrow results, including three wins by three points or fewer.

The matchup presents a stark contrast in trajectories. Paulistano boasts a potent offense that eclipsed 100 points in its last outing, powered by Abreu and efficient scoring from guards like Kaleb Hunter, who dropped 27 points against Minas. Paraiba will need a disciplined defensive performance and balanced scoring beyond Sifontes, with contributors like Henrique Coelho and Jimmy de Oliveira replicating their multi-faceted play from the Pato win.

Historically, Paulistano has fared well at home, while Paraiba has struggled on the road, posting a 2-5 record in away games since late December. A key battle will be on the boards, where Paulistano’s size, featuring Abreu and Lucas Siewert (17 points, 7 rebounds vs. Minas), could overwhelm a Paraiba team that has been outrebounded in recent losses.

Tipoff is scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2026, in Sao Paulo.