NBB Basketball: Cruzeiro and Botafogo Secure Victories

In the NBB 2026/27 season, Itatiaiuçu Cruzeiro defeated Pato Basquete 76 to 68 in Belo Horizonte. The game was largely decided in the third quarter, where Cruzeiro outscored Pato 19 to 10 to build a significant lead. Adyel Borges led Cruzeiro with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Despite Pato Basquete making more three-point shots, Cruzeiro's advantage at the free-throw line and in two-point field goals secured the win. Cruzeiro currently holds 6th place in the standings.

In another matchup, Botafogo narrowly defeated Caxias do Sul Basquete 84 to 82 in Rio de Janeiro. Caxias do Sul controlled much of the early game, leading at the end of the first two quarters. However, Botafogo mounted a comeback in the third quarter to tie the game. The lead fluctuated throughout the final period before Botafogo secured the victory in the closing minutes.