Struggling NBB Sides Seek Rare Win as Ulbra Hosts Vasco da Gama

RIO CLARO, Brazil (Interstat) — Two of the Novo Basquete Brasil’s most struggling teams will meet Friday when Ulbra hosts Vasco da Gama, each desperate to halt lengthy losing streaks and climb from the bottom of the standings.

The matchup at Ginásio Felipe Karam pits a Vasco da Gama side mired in a four-game skid against an Ulbra team that has dropped its last two. Vasco sits at 4-21 across all competitions this season, while Ulbra is only marginally better at 6-18.

The visitors will lean on forward Sergio Sillas da Conceicao, who is coming off a double-double performance in a narrow 85-80 loss to Franca on Feb. 22, where he posted 14 points and 10 rebounds. He has been a consistent minutes leader for Vasco, including a 21-point outing earlier in February.

Ulbra counters with center Matheus Custodio, a dynamic interior presence. Custodio is averaging 17.3 points over his last three games, highlighted by a 25-point, 5-rebound effort in a loss to Cruzeiro on Feb. 21. His defensive impact was on full display in an overtime win over Flamengo on Feb. 16, where he blocked three shots in just 20 minutes of play.

The recent head-to-head history favors the home side. Ulbra secured an 84-81 victory when the teams last met on Nov. 25, 2025.

Both teams’ seasons have been defined by offensive inconsistency and defensive lapses. Vasco da Gama has failed to reach 75 points in three of its last four losses, while Ulbra allowed an average of 96.5 points in its recent back-to-back defeats.

Friday’s game represents one of the more winnable opportunities left on the schedule for both clubs as the season progresses. With pride and positioning at stake, each will look to its standout big man to provide the spark for a crucial, morale-boosting victory.