Vasco Da Gama U22 vs Coritiba/Thalia LDB U22 – 25 July 2026

Vasco Da Gama U22 edged out Coritiba/Thalia LDB U22 66–64 in a tense Brazil LDB U22 contest on 25 July 2026. The match at Vasco’s home gym in Rio de Janeiro came down to the final possession, with the young Cruzmaltino side holding their nerve to secure a vital victory.

Match Overview

Both teams traded leads throughout a scrappy, defensively oriented game. Vasco established a slim 34–30 halftime advantage, but Coritiba responded with a strong third quarter, taking a 50–48 lead into the final period. The fourth quarter was a grind, with neither side able to pull away. In the final seconds, Vasco’s point guard Lucas Oliveira sank two free throws to make it 66–64, and a last-second three-point attempt by Coritiba rimmed out.

Key Moments

• First-half control: Vasco used a 12–2 run late in the second quarter to seize the lead.
• Coritiba’s third-quarter surge: The visitors outscored Vasco 20–14, fueled by forward Rafael Souza’s inside scoring.
• Clutch free throws: With 5.2 seconds left, Oliveira calmly knocked down both attempts under pressure.
• Defensive stop: On the final play, Vasco’s defense rotated well, forcing a contested step-back three that missed.

Tactical Story

The game was defined by physical defense and low shooting percentages. Vasco shot 38% from the field but compensated by grabbing 14 offensive rebounds, leading to 12 second-chance points. Coritiba relied on their structured half-court offense but committed 17 turnovers, many in the crucial fourth quarter. The bench battle was also key: Vasco’s reserves contributed 22 points to just 12 for Coritiba.

Standout Players

• Lucas Oliveira (Vasco Da Gama U22): 14 points, 7 assists, and the game-sealing free throws.
• Rafael Souza (Coritiba/Thalia LDB U22): 18 points and 9 rebounds in a losing effort.
• Pedro Henrique (Vasco Da Gama U22): 12 points and 11 rebounds – a double-double off the bench.

Season Impact

Vasco improves to 6–4 in the Brazil LDB U22 standings, sitting comfortably in the playoff picture. Coritiba falls to 5–5 and will need to regroup quickly, with their next fixture against league leaders Flamengo U22. The result also highlights Vasco’s growing resilience in close games – they are now 4–1 in games decided by five points or fewer.