RIO DE JANEIRO (Campeonato Nacional) - Franca and Ribeirao Preto will meet again for Brazil's Campeonato Nacional title after Helio Rubens Garcia's men edged their fifth-round clash.
Rogerio scored 34 points, including four-of-eight three-pointers in Franca' 95-88 victory that ensured them top spot in the Hexagonal semi-final.
Last year's runners-up Ribeirao Preto - for whom Nezinho scored 28 points - finished second, level on points with Universo and Rio Claro, who both miss out.
"I am very happy, we fulfilled our main objective to reach the final match," said Garcia.
"This hexagonal tournament was fantastic, with lots of close games.
"The supporters also were great. The support from the fans was very important for us."
Ribeirao Preto's Lula Ferreira was pleased to be in the final despite the defeat.
"It was an exciting match, played point by point until the final seconds," he said.
"It was a great Brazilian basketball derby. Having the chance to play for the championship title is superb."
Rio Claro lost 85-82 to Universo, blowing their final chances despite Felipe top scoring with 29 points.
Kenya's 19 points paled in comparison but Universo's better team play earned them the win.
Rio Claro coach Jorge Guerra 'Guerrinha' refused to be downbeat despite the defeat.
"We are winners," he said. "We have been working only nine months, while other teams have been working for longer.
"We played face to face against all our rivals. Also, we had the opportunity to play the final.
"Our players showed a great level, although we lacked experience. All Rio Claro's supporters are very proud and we are going to continue this superb work."
Universo coach Tom Ze was also happy with his side's display.
"Since I have been in Brasilia, I have tried to make my philosophy work and I think the players assimilated it very well," he said.
"We played excellent games in the Campeonato Nacional's hexagonal."
Marcio's 32-point haul helped Torres to their first win and condemned Telemar to last place, a 104-97 victory allowing them leapfrog their opponents in the standings.
Torres' Marcio felt his side gave a good account of themselves in the semis.
"Our main difficulty is our lack of fitness, although we are playing well at Campeonato Nacional's hexagonal semi-final," he said.
"Despite winning only one match, we confronted all our rivals head to head."
The final between Franca and Ribeirao Preto will be played as the best of five games.
PA Sport