Flamengo was defeated by Bauru 92-79, on Saturday morning (21), at Maracanãzinho, in a match valid for the NBB which marked the end of a sequence of four games before the break for national team basketball.

After a difficult first half and trailing by 13 points at halftime (47-34), Flamengo reacted intensely in the third quarter, managing to cut the difference to just three points (67-63) and rousing the Maracanãzinho crowd. However, the São Paulo team regained control of the pace in the final ten minutes, reclaimed a comfortable lead, and secured the victory away from home.

Now, the beloved team will have a few days of preparation before returning to the court on March 6th, again at Maracanãzinho, to face Astros de Jalisco in the first game of the Basketball Champions League Americas quarterfinals.

1st Bedroom

The game started evenly, with Gui Deodato opening the scoring for Flamengo with a three-pointer. However, after the first few minutes, Bauru began to dictate the pace of the game. More consistent offensively and making better use of possessions, the visiting team quickly built a lead, opening up a 15-5 advantage and forcing coach Sergio Hernandez to call a timeout. The break had an immediate effect. Wesley took center stage and scored four consecutive points, reducing the difference to 15-9 and bringing more energy to Flamengo. Shortly after, the center reappeared with a steal followed by a reverse dunk, raising the crowd's spirits, but Bauru maintained control of the action and even opened up a 21-11 lead. Even with Kayo Gonçalves battling for offensive rebounds to score two more points and try to keep the team in the game, Flamengo struggled to contain the opponent's offensive pressure. At the end of the first quarter, Bauru finished with a lead: 23-13.

2st Bedroom

Flamengo returned for the second quarter with a more aggressive posture. Jhonatan opened the scoring with two points, and the period continued with the teams trading baskets in the first few minutes: 8-8 in the quarter and 31-21 overall. With good ball movement, Manel converted with a dunk to make it 31-23, and Alex Negrete appeared in an important sequence: first with two points (33-25) and then converting a basket with a foul, reducing the difference to 35-28 and keeping Flamengo alive in the game. The Flamengo momentum gained strength when Negrete hit a shot from the corner: Flamengo took the lead in the quarter 21-18 and reduced the deficit to 41-34, forcing a timeout from the São Paulo team. However, in the final minute, Bauru once again made better use of their offensive possessions, regained control of the quarter (24-21) and increased their overall lead. Thus, the match went to halftime with the score 47-34 for the visitors.

3st Bedroom

The third period began with a good shot from Gui Deodato for a two-pointer by Wesley. Gui Deodato's three-pointer confirmed what was Flamengo's best opening break of the game: 48-39 for Bauru. Shaq Johnson's three-pointer brought the score to 52-45. A comeback was beginning to take shape. Gui Deodato's three-pointer made it 55-48. Negrete scored two points, making it 55-50, and Bauru called a timeout. Flamengo was gaining momentum. Two points from Negrete and an offensive foul on Lucas Dória set up Shaq Johnson for a three-pointer, making it 62-57 for Bauru. Flamengo remained very much alive in the game. Two points from Jhonatan made it 64-59 for Bauru. Shaq Johnson made two free throws, making it 65-62 for Bauru. End of the quarter: Bauru 67-63.

4st Bedroom

The final quarter began evenly, with Flamengo and Bauru trading baskets in the opening minutes. Flamengo tried to maintain the intense pace of the third quarter, but the visiting team found solutions again and managed to regain control of the game. With this scenario, Bauru once again opened up a comfortable lead, reaching 14 points and cooling down Flamengo's comeback attempt. Flamengo still battled until the final moments, trying to reduce the difference, but there wasn't enough time left for another comeback. Final score: 92-79 Bauru.

Next challenge

The Pride of the Nation is now taking advantage of the break for national team basketball and returns to the courts on March 6th, at Maracanãzinho, to face Astros de Jalisco in the first game of the BCLA quarterfinals.

Starting Quintet

Franco Baralle, Alex Negrete, Gui Deodato, Markeith Cummings and Wesley.

Coach: Sergio Hernandez.