Pinheiros Basquete defeats Rio Claro and moves into playoffs
On July 9, 2026, Pinheiros Basquete beat Rio Claro in the round‑of‑16 series 3‑0, securing a spot in the NBB 2026/27 quarter‑finals. The decision came right after the Brazilian club announced it would sit out the Paulista Championship and the NBB this season.
What happened?
The decisive game took place in the final match of the series, with Pinheiros closing the score at 84‑71. The São Paulo side dominated the perimeter, sinking three three‑pointers in the last two quarters. Meanwhile, Rio Claro, which finished the regular season in 15th place with 12 wins and 26 losses, could not respond. The elimination was total: 3‑0 in games, with no points of resistance.
Why does this matter for Pinheiros Basquete?
Rio Claro's exit from the competitions opens space for Pinheiros to cement its position at the top of the table. With a traditional rival out, the club can focus on improving field‑goal efficiency, already at 47.5% this phase. Moreover, Pinheiros can leverage Rio Claro's pause to strengthen its own youth pipeline, as the rival announced that Conta Simples will remain the master sponsor while prioritizing youth development.
What is the future of the main squad?
Rio Claro stated the pause aims to “professionalize the structure and create conditions for a stronger return.” No date is set for the senior team’s comeback, but the junior squad stays active in the Development League (LDB), posting four wins and two losses so far. Meanwhile, Pinheiros Basquete prepares for its next opponent in the quarter‑finals, where pick‑and‑roll execution and block defense will be decisive.
How does this impact the season?
With Rio Claro eliminated, Pinheiros advances without facing a club that had been removed from competition in the previous two seasons for administrative reasons. The focus now shifts to defensive consistency; Pinheiros recorded nine steals and four blocks in the final game. Coach André Luís Silva highlighted the need to keep pressure in the paint and improve assist rates, which stood at 22.3%.
What to expect in upcoming games?
The next matchups promise intensity. Pinheiros Basquete will likely rely on guard Lucas Pereira, who averages 15 points and six assists per game, and center Rafael Costa, responsible for eight rebounds per contest. If the team maintains a three‑point shooting percentage above 38%, it has a solid chance to reach the NBB 2026/27 semifinals.