Bauru crushes Paulistano to win 2017 NBB crown

Paschoalotto/Bauru have claimed their second Brazilian NBB title after a dominant 92-73 win over Paulistano/Unimed Sao Paolo in Game 5 of the finals. The last time Bauru stood atop of the winner’s podium was back in 2002. Their championship drought, which lasted over a decade, has finally ended and it was a hard-earned one indeed. Bauru finished the regular season in fifth position with an 18-10 record.

Bauru’s duo of Alex Garcia and Leonardo Meindl paced the team with game-highs of 24 and 23 points, respectively. Both players were able to deliver strong performances on offense. The accounted for over half of the team’s 13 made shots from three-point range. Neither one missed a shot from the free throw line, for a combined 8-of-8 from there. Paulistano could not contain nor slow them down. Bauru, as a team, shot 17-of-30 from two-point range; showing that they were able to assert their game plan in this crucial, decisive game.

Renato Carbonari was the top scorer for Paulistano in this game with 20 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Aside from him, only Eddy Carvalho was able to crack the double digit scoring barrier with 15 points. Paulistano could not get their offense going in this game, managing to record just 12 assists for the night.

It was an amazing night for Bauru and their fans. Will they be able to build on their strong post-season or will a new team emerge as a new champion in 2018?