BAURU LOOKS TO SNAP SKID AGAINST NBB LEADER UNICEUB

BRASÍLIA, Brazil (Interstat) — A struggling Bauru squad faces a steep challenge on the road Saturday against the powerhouse UNICEUB in a Brazilian Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) clash at Ginasio da ASCEB.

UNICEUB (23-10), coming off a hard-fought overtime loss to Franca last Tuesday, enters as the clear favorite. They boast a superior record and home-court advantage. Center Rafael Paulichi has been a consistent force, averaging a near double-double in recent contests. He logged 40 minutes in the loss to Franca, finishing with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists.

The home team has won seven of its last nine games and will aim to rebound quickly to solidify its top-tier standing.

Bauru (17-14), meanwhile, seeks to halt a two-game slide that includes an 87-91 home defeat to Franca on April 6 and a road overtime loss to Mogi das Cruzes. Their success likely hinges on the backcourt performance of guard Matheus Eugeniusz. He was brilliant in the recent loss, scoring 22 points with 6 rebounds and 5 assists, but was limited to just 5 points in the prior defeat.

The season series currently favors UNICEUB, which secured a 71-66 victory in Bauru on Dec. 29, 2025. Bauru’s last outing saw a high-scoring effort fall short despite 22 points apiece from Eugeniusz and guard Dontrell Brite, and a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double from center Andre Barbosa.

UNICEUB’s depth has been key during its strong campaign, with forwards Daniel Von Haydin and Bruno Cardoso providing significant secondary scoring and rebounding. Bauru will need more consistent support around Eugeniusz to compete with the league’s elite.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon in the nation’s capital.