Flamengo beat Franca 91-89 on Thursday night (19), at Maracanãzinho, in an electrifying match that kept the Flamengo fans in suspense until the last second. With the result, Mais Querido reaches 22 wins in 27 games in the NBB and remains at the top of the national competition table.

After dominating the first half with defensive intensity and high efficiency on three-point shots, Flamengo built a consistent lead before halftime. In the third quarter, however, Franca reacted, raised the level of the game, and turned the score around in the final minutes of the period, leaving the match wide open. In the decisive period, in a duel marked by constant changes in the lead and tension until the final second, Flamengo showed decisiveness in crucial moments to secure the victory at Maracanãzinho.

Now, the Most Beloved prepares to face Bauru, on Saturday (21), again at Maracanãzinho. The Biggest Fanbase in the World is more than welcome to attend and support the Pride of the Nation.

The Game

1st Bedroom

Flamengo started the game struggling offensively, missing their first five field goal attempts and allowing Franca to build an early lead. Even so, the team maintained its defensive intensity and found the first points to stay close on the scoreboard thanks to Gui Deodato's free throws. The turning point came from the perimeter. With Shaq Johnson inspired and converting important three-pointers, Flamengo gained confidence and began to control the pace of the game. The improvement in offensive efficiency was accompanied by greater defensive aggression, with steals that generated points in transition, notably by Jhonatan Luz and Gui himself. With better spacing, efficiency in pick-and-roll plays, and good ball circulation, Flamengo put together a positive run in the final half of the period. Franco Baralle also performed well from the perimeter, consolidating the team's offensive superiority. After an uneven start, FlaBasquete finished the quarter strong, with intensity, high shooting percentage from three-point range, and control of the game, ending the period with a 30-22 lead.

2st Bedroom

Flamengo started the second quarter the same way they ended the first: with efficiency on the perimeter. Kayo Gonçalves opened the period with a three-pointer, and Alex Negrete, in the sequence, confirmed the excellent moment for Flamengo in long-range shooting, extending the lead. With confidence and good offensive spacing, the team also began to exploit penetrations. Manel was called upon near the basket and converted two consecutive dunks, taking advantage of the situations created by the Flamengo offense. Dominating the pace of the game allowed Flamengo to open a large lead, reaching 39-25. The intensity remained high. Lucas Dória scored in the paint and Gui Deodato punished again from the perimeter, consolidating the team's good moment in the game. More organized defensively and efficient on offense, FlaBasquete controlled the action in the final stretch of the quarter, managed the advantage and went into halftime winning 53-40.

3st Bedroom

The third quarter began with Gui Deodato converting a three-pointer and reaching 20 points in the game. Despite the good individual start, the collective panorama quickly changed. More aggressive, Franca took control of the action and began to dictate the pace of the quarter. With a run of 11 to 5 in the first few minutes, the opposing team reduced the difference to seven points, forcing coach Sérgio Hernández to call a timeout to reorganize Flamengo. Upon returning from the timeout, Franco Baralle responded from the perimeter and put Flamengo back in double digits, trying to contain the reaction. Even so, Franca maintained the pressure and continued to find openings. Baralle scored again at an important moment, and Kayo Gonçalves hit a three-pointer that brought the score to 66 to 57, giving the impression that Flamengo had regained control. But the final stretch of the quarter was again dominated by the opposing team. In a nine-point run, Franca tied the game and took the lead in the final moments, closing the period ahead: 69 to 68, leaving the contest wide open for the final quarter.

4st Bedroom

The final quarter began intensely and evenly. Gui Deodato put Flamengo back in the lead in the early attacks and, shortly after, converted another three-pointer, reaching 25 points and assuming offensive prominence at the most decisive moment of the match. The game took on dramatic proportions, with constant changes in the lead and each possession having a decisive weight. In the final moments, Flamengo's composure prevailed. Shaq Johnson hit a crucial three-pointer to put Flamengo ahead again. On the opponent's last possession, the Flamengo defense held firm, contested the decisive shot, and secured the 91-89 victory in a night of high-level basketball at Maracanãzinho.

Next challenge

The Pride of the Nation returns to the court on Saturday (21), at 18 pm, at Maracanãzinho, to face Bauru, for the NBB.

Starting Quintet

Shaq Johnson, Gui Deodato, Jhonatan Luz, Markeith Cummings and Wesley.

Coach: Sergio Hernandez.