NBB PREVIEW: PINHEIROS AT ULBRA

RIO CLARO, Brazil (Interstat) — The Novo Basquete Brasil season continues Friday night when the Pinheiros visit Ulbra at Ginasio Felipe Karam.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time.

Pinheiros (29-8) enters the matchup as one of the league’s top teams, riding a four-game winning streak. The visitors most recently defeated Ulbra 95-80 on Tuesday, a game in which forward Agapy Santos posted 22 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in 24 minutes. Santos, a key player to watch, has been productive over his last five games, averaging 12.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per contest. His most dominant outing came April 4 at Corinthians, when he recorded 15 points and 14 rebounds, though Pinheiros lost 74-69.

Ulbra (10-26) sits near the bottom of the NBB standings and has lost four of its last five games. The home team’s most recent victory came April 16, a 95-63 win over Bauru. Guard Stan Scott led Ulbra in that game with 10 points, three rebounds and two steals. Scott has been Ulbra’s top scorer of late, including a 23-point effort Tuesday against Pinheiros.

The teams have met twice this season, both in Pinheiros’ favor. The visitors won 93-65 on Jan. 17 and 95-80 on Tuesday. In the two games, Pinheiros outscored Ulbra by a combined 43 points, the largest margin coming in January when the visitors allowed just 65 points.

Pinheiros relies heavily on its starting backcourt. Point guard David Sloan added 20 points and five assists in Tuesday’s win, while shooting guard Betinho Nardi Duarte chipped in 15 points. The team has won eight of its last 10 contests overall.

Ulbra will need a strong defensive effort to slow Pinheiros’ balanced attack. In Tuesday’s loss, Ulbra allowed 52 second-half points and shot just 42% from the field. The home team has struggled defensively against elite NBB opponents, allowing 92 or more points in three of its last five losses.

Friday’s game carries significant playoff implications for Pinheiros, which is vying for a top seed. For Ulbra, the contest offers a chance to build momentum late in a difficult season.