Cristian hails Fiel as Corinthians level NBB semi-final and calls for greater promotion of basketball | OneFootball

Corinthians beat Pinheiros 98-84 in game two of the NBB semi-final at Ginásio Wlamir Marques, levelling the series at 1-1, as ex-midfielder Cristian praised the Fiel and urged greater promotion of the team.

"Seeing the arena packed for a semi-final, with the surreal energy Corinthians fans bring, is incredible. But I think basketball at Corinthians has to be promoted more, like football, futsal and the other sports," he told ESPN.

Before tip-off, organised group Camisa 12 staged a party with the club and sponsor Esportes da Sorte, marching from Carrão station to Parque São Jorge with flags, fireworks, drums and songs that were later echoed inside.

Inside, flags and accessories were handed out and a memorial to Oscar Schmidt, an icon who died last month, was displayed.

Cristian is a regular at social club events, including futsal and youth games involving his son Cristian Júnior, a midfielder for the under-17s.

He was honoured during the game with a Corinthians basketball jersey and a personalised cup, presented by basketball manager Gustavo Podence, known as Montanha.

Cristian played for Corinthians in 2008-09 and 2015-17, lifting major honours including the 2009 Copa do Brasil and the 2015 Campeonato Brasileiro. He made 100 appearances and scored 10 goals.

Game three is on Saturday at 18:10 at Ginásio Wlamir Marques. Game four is on Tuesday 26 May at 20:30 at Henrique Villaboim, and a decider, if required, would also be at Pinheiros, with the first to three wins meeting Franca or Brasília.

Source: Meu Timao