NBB: Paulistano visits Bauru after two tight wins

BAURU, Brazil (Interstat) — Paulistano travels to Ginasio Panela de Pressao on Friday night seeking a season sweep of Bauru in a Brazilian NBB matchup, clinging to a two-game lead in the head-to-head series this season.

Paulistano (24-10) enters the 7 p.m. local time contest having won seven of its past eight games, including an 80-77 home victory over Bauru on Tuesday. The visiting team also edged Bauru 89-87 on Jan. 15, making Friday’s game a chance for Bauru to avoid a three-game season sweep on its home floor.

Center Lucas Siewert has been a consistent force for Paulistano. In Tuesday’s win over Bauru, Siewert logged 34 minutes, posting 16 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and one block. Over his past six games, the big man has averaged 14.5 points and 4.7 rebounds, shooting efficiently in limited minutes, including a 17-point, three-rebound outing in an 18-minute stint against Pato Basquete on April 18.

Bauru (17-17) is mired in a five-game losing streak, dropping contests to UNICEUB, Ulbra, Franca, Mogi das Cruzes and Paulistano since March 24. The home team’s most recent defeat to Paulistano on Tuesday saw Andre Barbosa post a dominant double-double: 14 points, 18 rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes. Barbosa has struggled for consistency, but his fourth consecutive double-digit scoring effort — including 20 points and 11 rebounds against Franca on April 6 — makes him a central threat.

Paulistano’s backcourt could also pose problems. Point guard Vitor Brandao erupted for 23 points, one rebound and one assist in Tuesday’s win, while shooting guard Kaleb Hunter added 16 points and four boards. The team’s depth has been evident: Paulistano has scored 80 or more points in 10 of its past 12 games.

Bauru will need to tighten its defense after allowing 94 points to UNICEUB and 95 to Ulbra earlier this week. The home team’s 17-17 record reflects a .500 season that has included blowout wins such as a 107-70 rout of Cearense on March 5, but also heavy losses like a 104-81 defeat at Corinthians.

Friday’s game marks the third meeting between the clubs this season, with Paulistano holding a decisive edge entering the late-April clash.