Corinthians beat last season’s bogey side, stay perfect in Paulista | OneFootball

Corinthians remain perfect at the start of the 2026/27 season. On Wednesday night, Timão defeated Pinheiros once again, this time 88-70 at Ginásio Henrique Villaboim, in the third round of the Paulista Basketball Championship. The result secured the team’s third straight win, keeping them unbeaten and at the top of the state competition.

The victory also carried special meaning because of the teams’ recent history. Corinthians’ last basketball defeat had come precisely against Pinheiros, on May 26, by a score of 88-76. On that occasion, the loss ended Timão’s run in the 2025/26 NBB semifinals, with the opponent winning the series 3-1.

Photo: Gabriella Garbim / ECP

The team led by Jece Leite, however, has started the new season at a completely different pace. Since the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign, they have played three games and earned three positive results. The opener came on August 6 against Osasco. Playing at Ginásio Geodésico, Corinthians had little trouble and won 99-67. In the following round, Timão played at home again and beat São José 91-68 at Ginásio Wlamir Marques.

The third matchup was against Pinheiros, again away from home. So far, all three games have taken place in the Paulista Championship.

With a 100% record, Corinthians have nine points and sit in first place in the opening stage of the state competition. They are tied at the top with Mogi Basquete, which has also won its three games, but trails on point differential: 53 to Timão’s 73.

The strong start carries even more weight given the changes made by the club for this season. Corinthians overhauled a significant part of the roster, reduced investment in the sport by 44%, and increased the participation of players developed in the youth academy.

So far, the board has made only three signings: forwards Betinho and Gemadinha, and center Matheus Leal. On the other hand, seven youth players were promoted to the senior squad. The club also secured the stay of important pieces of the group. Point guards Elinho and Tico Faria, forwards Cauê Borges and Victão, and center Gabriel Novaes all had their contracts renewed.

Among the players drawing the most attention at the start of the campaign is Betinho. At 37, the forward arrived as a new signing and has posted good numbers in the opening games. In three games, he is averaging 14.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. In the most recent matchup, against his former team, he was Corinthians’ top scorer with 17 points and directly helped in the 88-70 win.

Timão’s next challenge will be this Saturday. In the fourth round of the Paulista Championship, Corinthians will face Franca Basquete at 4 p.m. at Ginásio Wlamir Marques.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.