RIO CLARO, Brazil (Interstat) — Ulbra held off a late rally to defeat Vasco da Gama 77-74 in a Brazilian NBB game Friday at Ginasio Felipe Karam. The home team built a 52-40 halftime lead but managed only eight third-quarter points, allowing Vasco da Gama to close the gap. A 25-point fourth quarter from the visitors fell just short.

Fermin Thygesen led Ulbra with 20 points, six rebounds and six assists. Sergio Sillas da Conceicao posted a double-double for Vasco da Gama with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Alexsander Santos added 16 points and nine assists in the loss.

Ulbra improved to 7-19. Vasco da Gama dropped to 4-22.