The Brazil LDB U22 continued its exciting season with a clash between Minas Tenis Clube U22 and Rio Claro/ABDC LDB U22 on June 28, 2026. In a closely fought contest, Minas Tenis Clube U22 emerged victorious with an 81–72 win, demonstrating their resilience and offensive firepower in front of their home supporters.

Match Overview

From the opening tip-off, both teams traded baskets with high intensity. Rio Claro/ABDC came out sharp, hitting from beyond the arc, but Minas Tenis Clube’s size advantage and aggressive rebounding kept them in control. The home side built a steady lead by the end of the third quarter and held off a late rally from Rio Claro to secure the nine-point victory.

Key Moments

• Fast Start for Rio Claro: Rio Claro jumped to an early 12–5 lead behind two three-pointers from guard Felipe Costa. Minas answered with a 12–2 run to take a 17–14 lead into the second quarter.
• Second Quarter Battle: The margin fluctuated throughout the second period. Minas’ forward Thiago Silva dominated the glass, helping his team to a 41–36 halftime advantage.
• Third Quarter Break: A 10–0 run fueled by fast-break points stretched Minas’ lead to 15 points. Rio Claro struggled to contain the transition game, trailing 65–52 entering the fourth.
• Late Rio Claro Charge: Rio Claro cut the lead to seven points with three minutes left, but Minas Tenis Clube executed their half-court offense and made key free throws down the stretch to close out the game.

Standout Players

Minas Tenis Clube U22 was led by Thiago Silva, who recorded a dominant double-double of 20 points and 15 rebounds. Guard Rafael Dias contributed 16 points and 6 assists, orchestrating the offense. For Rio Claro/ABDC, Felipe Costa scored a game-high 23 points with five three-pointers, while Lucas Martins added 12 points and 8 rebounds.

Season Impact

This win keeps Minas Tenis Clube U22 in the upper echelon of the Brazil LDB U22 standings, reinforcing their status as a serious contender. Rio Claro/ABDC, despite the loss, showed they can compete with top teams, but will need to improve their defensive consistency to move up the table. The tournament continues to provide a vital platform for Brazil’s emerging basketball talents.