BRA - Strong fourth quarter sees Universo past Pitagoras and into finals

BRASILIA (Liga Nacional de Basquete) - Universo/BRB held off Pitagoras/Minas 90-77 in the fifth and decisive game of their semi-final series and return to the the Brazilian National League finals.

Universo now face reigning champions Flamengo Río de Janeiro in a rematch of last year's championship series.

Minas got off to a good start as they led 23-22 at the end of the first quarter. The home side then tightened the defense, holding the visitors to just 13 points in the second period, for a 41-36 halftime advantage.

With Luiz Felipe Campos leading by example - he had a team-best 22 points - Pitagoras stayed within striking distance, down 63-60 to start the final frame.

However, Universo saved their best for last, outscoring their opponents 27-17 in the fourth quarter to win comfortably enough.

Alex Garcia had 23 points in the winning cause and Guilherme Giovanni added 21.

The finals begin on Saturday.

FIBA