Fluminense U22 vs Botafogo U22: Flu Wins LDB U22 Clássico 78-65

Fluminense U22 defeated Botafogo U22 78-65 in a Brazil LDB U22 basketball match on September 13, 2026. The Rio de Janeiro clássico, played at the Ginásio da Laranjeiras, was decided by a decisive third-quarter surge from the home side, who turned a narrow halftime lead into a double-digit victory. With the result, Fluminense strengthens its position in the LDB U22 standings, while Botafogo is left to regroup after a frustrating offensive night.

Match Overview

The LDB U22 — Liga de Desenvolvimento de Basquete — is Brazil’s premier development league for under-22 talent, and this meeting between two traditional Rio clubs carried extra weight. Fluminense entered the game looking to protect home court and build momentum in the regular season. Botafogo, meanwhile, hoped to steal a road win and climb the table. Instead, the visitors were held to 65 points, their lowest output in recent outings, as Fluminense’s defense tightened in the second half.

Fluminense controlled the tempo from the opening tip, using a balanced scoring attack and aggressive perimeter defense. Botafogo stayed within striking distance through the first two quarters, but a 22-14 third-quarter run by the home team blew the game open. The final score of 78-65 reflected Fluminense’s superior execution on both ends, particularly in transition and on the offensive glass.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

Fluminense set the tone with a 20-15 first quarter, fueled by quick ball movement and two early three-pointers. Botafogo matched the home side point for point in the second period, sending the teams into halftime at 38-33. The third quarter proved decisive: Fluminense outscored Botafogo 22-14, pushing the lead to 60-47. Although Botafogo won the final frame 18-18, the damage had already been done.

Key Moments and Turning Points

• First-quarter spark: Fluminense opened with a 7-0 run in the first three minutes, forcing Botafogo to call an early timeout.
• Halftime adjustment: Botafogo switched to a zone defense in the second quarter, briefly slowing Fluminense’s half-court offense and keeping the game close at 38-33.
• Third-quarter knockout: Fluminense came out of the locker room with a 12-2 run, capped by a fast-break dunk that brought the home crowd to its feet. The lead never fell below 10 points after that.
• Fourth-quarter resilience: Botafogo’s bench provided energy in the final period, but Fluminense’s free-throw shooting (9-of-10 in the fourth) iced the game.

Tactical Story: Defense and Tempo

Fluminense’s game plan revolved around defensive pressure and pace. The home team pressed Botafogo’s ball handlers aggressively, forcing 17 turnovers and converting them into 21 points. On offense, Fluminense shared the ball well, finishing with 19 assists on 28 made field goals. Their inside-out attack created open looks from beyond the arc, where they shot 9-of-24 (37.5%).

Botafogo struggled to find rhythm against Fluminense’s switching defense. The visitors shot just 38% from the field and 25% from three-point range. Their half-court offense became predictable, relying heavily on isolation plays that Fluminense’s help defense was able to contain. Botafogo did win the rebounding battle 38-34, but second-chance points were limited because of poor shooting on putbacks.

The tempo battle was clearly won by Fluminense. They pushed the ball after every defensive rebound and finished with 14 fast-break points. Botafogo, by contrast, managed only 6 fast-break points and often looked hesitant to run.

Standout Players

Fluminense U22

• Gabriel Souza (guard): Led all scorers with 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. He was instrumental in the third-quarter run, scoring 10 points in that period alone.
• Lucas Mendes (forward): Added 16 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 7-of-11 from the field. His activity on the offensive glass created several extra possessions.
• Rafael Lima (center): Anchored the defense with 4 blocks and 9 rebounds, altering numerous Botafogo drives.

Botafogo U22