Unifacisa beats Paulistano 71-63 as Paranhos stresses defence ahead of Corinthians

Unifacisa beat Paulistano 71-63 in the seventh round of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) 2026/2027 on Wednesday (4) at Arena Unifacisa. The result gave the Paraíba side four wins from their first five games, three of them at home and one away.

Defence at the centre of the win

The team's defensive play was one of the main reasons for their good start to the season. Throughout almost the whole game, the hosts gave Paulistano few chances to build attacking moves.

Centre Alexandre Paranhos said the team's defensive identity must hold in every game, especially at home. He added that visiting teams had to feel the weight of the defence and not feel comfortable, something the side managed for much of the match. He described it as part of the team's philosophy: when the attack is not on song, the defence has to be solid.

Results so far

Unifacisa have also beaten Osasco and Pinheiros in Campina Grande. Away from home, they lost to Mogi das Cruzes but returned to winning form against São José, taking the game 97-83 in the interior of São Paulo state.

Next match against Corinthians

Unifacisa's next game is against Corinthians on Friday (6) at 8pm, at Arena Unifacisa. Corinthians come into the match after a win over Franca. Paranhos has said that defence will remain a priority for the Jacaré in that game and in the rest of the season.