Match Report: Cruzeiro U22 vs. Rio Claro/ABDC LDB U22 – Brazil LDB U22, June 26, 2026

Rio Claro/ABDC LDB U22 delivered a dominant road performance on June 26, 2026, defeating Cruzeiro U22 87–72 in a Brazil LDB U22 clash. The victory reinforced Rio Claro’s position as one of the competition’s most well‑rounded young squads, while Cruzeiro suffered a setback on their home floor.

Match Overview

The game tipped off at 5:00 local time, and from the opening minutes Rio Claro established control. Their aggressive transition offense and disciplined half‑court sets kept the Cruzeiro defense scrambling. By halftime, Rio Claro had built a double‑digit lead and never allowed the home side to cut the margin to single figures in the second half.

Key Moments

• First‑quarter surge: Rio Claro opened with a 12‑2 run, forcing an early Cruzeiro timeout. The visitors’ ball movement created open looks from beyond the arc, converting three triples in the first eight minutes.
• Second‑quarter response: Cruzeiro showed brief life with a 9‑0 spurt midway through the second period, cutting the deficit to four. But Rio Claro answered with a 13‑2 run before halftime, reclaiming a 45‑33 lead.
• Third‑quarter separation: The visitors pushed the lead to 20 points late in the third quarter, finishing the period with a 68‑51 advantage. Rio Claro’s bench contributed 14 points in the frame.
• Fourth‑quarter management: Cruzeiro pressed and forced a few turnovers, but Rio Claro maintained composure at the free‑throw line, making 8 of 10 in the final four minutes to ice the game.

Standout Performers

For Rio Claro, guard Lucas Mendes led all scorers with 22 points on 8‑of‑14 shooting, adding 5 assists and 4 steals. Forward Gabriel Souza contributed a double‑double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring the interior defense.

Cruzeiro’s Felipe Oliveira finished with 18 points and 7 rebounds, while point guard Rafael Costa added 11 points and 6 assists. The home team shot just 39% from the field and committed 16 turnovers, a decisive factor in the loss.

Season Impact

The win improved Rio Claro/ABDC LDB U22’s record to 8‑4 in the Brazil LDB U22 standings, keeping them in playoff contention. Cruzeiro U22 dropped to 5‑7, needing a strong closing stretch to secure a postseason berth. The two teams will meet again later this season in Rio Claro.