Top-Ranked SESI Hosts Surging Santo Andre in Women’s Basketball Clash

ARARAQUARA, Brazil (Interstat) — A compelling matchup between two teams on contrasting trajectories will unfold Sunday when the surging Santo Andre women’s basketball team visits the powerhouse SESI squad at Araraquara.

SESI (8-2), sitting atop the league standings, looks to rebound from its most lopsided defeat of the season, a 76-49 road loss to Sampaio on April 12. That performance, in which they managed a season-low 49 points, was an anomaly for a team that has otherwise dominated, including three consecutive wins by 38, 20 and 14 points prior to the setback. The team’s strength lies in its balanced attack and defensive consistency.

Santo Andre (7-5), however, arrives with momentum from a high-scoring affair, despite a 101-86 loss at Campinas on April 15. In that game, forward Brenda Bleidao recorded a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Marcella Prande added 17 points and seven assists. The team has shown offensive firepower, averaging 86.3 points in its last three outings.

The spotlight will be on a duel between standout forwards. Bleidao has been a force for Santo Andre, averaging a double-double over her last six games with 14.5 points and 9.3 rebounds, including two consecutive double-doubles. Her inside presence will be critical against SESI’s defensive anchor, Carina Martins.

Martins, a versatile wing for SESI, is coming off her best scoring performance of the season, dropping 20 points in the loss to Sampaio. While her scoring can fluctuate, she contributes across the board, averaging 6.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game over her last six contests. Her ability to impact the game in multiple phases will be key for SESI’s bounce-back effort.

Historically, SESI has demonstrated defensive prowess, holding opponents to 50 points or fewer in three of its eight victories. Containing Santo Andre’s recent offensive surge, particularly from Bleidao and Prande, will be the primary challenge. For Santo Andre, improving defensive focus after allowing 101 points last time out is essential to challenge the league leaders on their home court.

The game tips off Sunday afternoon as SESI aims to solidify its top position and Santo Andre seeks a statement win to climb the standings.