Tijuca TC U22 edges Team Klun Academy U22 in a thrilling 83‑81 finish

In a fiercely contested Brazil Camp.Carioca U22 clash on 14 July 2026, Tijuca TC U22 held their nerve to defeat Team Klun Academy U22 by the narrowest of margins, 83–81. The match, played in a high‑energy atmosphere, showcased the depth of young talent emerging in Rio de Janeiro’s under‑22 basketball scene. Both sides traded blows from the opening tip‑off, but it was Tijuca who made the decisive plays in the dying seconds to secure the victory.

Match overview

From the outset, the game lived up to its billing as a contest between two well‑drilled youth sides. Team Klun Academy jumped out to an early lead with crisp ball movement and precise outside shooting, building a 10‑point advantage midway through the second quarter. However, Tijuca responded with a 14‑2 run before halftime, fueled by aggressive defense and fast‑break conversions, to take a 44‑42 edge into the break.

The second half continued in the same see‑saw pattern. Klun Academy regained the lead in the third period behind strong interior play, only for Tijuca to answer with timely three‑pointers. The final quarter was a tense affair, with the lead changing hands on nearly every possession. With less than 30 seconds remaining and the score tied at 81, Tijuca’s point guard drove into the lane, drew a foul, and calmly sank two free throws to provide the final margin.

Key moments

• Third‑quarter surge: Team Klun Academy opened the second half with a 9‑0 run, putting Tijuca on the back foot. But a timeout steadied the hosts, and they closed the period with a 12‑4 spurt.
• Clutch free‑throw shooting: Tijuca shot 85% from the line in the fourth quarter (12‑of‑14), a stark contrast to Klun’s 62% (8‑of‑13) in the same period.
• Defensive stop: With 8 seconds left and trailing by two, Klun Academy had a chance to tie or win, but Tijuca’s rotating defense forced a contested three‑pointer that clanked off the rim.

Standout performers

For Tijuca TC U22, the backcourt duo of Lucas Fernandes and Rafael Costa combined for 38 points. Fernandes orchestrated the offense with 8 assists and added 14 points, while Costa led all scorers with 24, including 4 three‑pointers. On the boards, center André Santos pulled down 13 rebounds and blocked 3 shots.

Team Klun Academy was led by forward Gabriel Oliveira, who posted a double‑double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Pedro Almeida chipped in 16 points and 6 assists, but his turnover in the final minute proved costly. The visitors’ bench contributed 22 points, keeping them in the game until the very end.

Looking ahead

The victory improves Tijuca TC U22’s record in the Brazil Camp.Carioca U22 standings, keeping them in contention for a playoff spot. For Team Klun Academy, the narrow defeat will serve as a learning experience for a squad that has shown it can compete with the league’s best. Both teams will look to build on this performance in their upcoming fixtures, with the next round of matches scheduled for late July.