Flamengo was defeated by Pato Basquete by 84 to 53, on Wednesday night (4), in Pato Branco (PR), in the return of the Pride of the Nation to the dispute of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB), after the break for the Super 8 Cup.

After a balanced start, Flamengo saw the Paraná team take control of the game in the second quarter and extend their lead throughout the match, especially in the third period. Despite fighting until the end, Flamengo couldn't reverse the score and ended up losing away from home.

Now, Flamengo turns its attention to the Champions League Americas (BCLA). The team is preparing to face Nacional (URU) on Sunday (8), at 19:10 pm, for the opening of the last window of the qualifying phase of the competition, on Argentinian soil. On Monday (9), Rubro-Negro closes the group stage against Obras (ARG), at the same time.

The Game

1st Bedroom

Shaq Johnson opened the scoring with a three-pointer, while Markeith Cummings performed well on offense, converting two baskets and putting Flamengo ahead early: 9-4. Pato reacted and managed to close the gap, but Shaq punished them again from the perimeter to maintain control of the game at 12-8. The home team tried to tie the game at 12-12, but Flamengo responded quickly, first with Shaq's mid-range shot and then with good finishes from Gueiros and Lucas Doria, opening up an 18-12 lead. Doria scored again, extending the advantage to eight points, before Alex Negrete scored the final points for Flamengo in the quarter, which ended 22-17.

2st Bedroom

The second period began with Pato converting a three-pointer that reduced Flamengo's lead and started the home team's comeback. Shortly after, the Paraná team turned the score around to 24-22. Flamengo responded with young Manel, who entered the game well and scored the points that put the team back in the lead: 25-24. However, Pato then went on a 7-0 run, took control of the game, and forced a timeout from Flamengo, who fell behind 31-25. Maintaining their momentum, the opponent extended their lead, reaching a ten-point gap. In the midst of Flamengo's most delicate moment in the game, Gui Deodato took responsibility, converted an important three-pointer, and put Flamengo back in the game. The teams traded baskets until halftime, with Pato winning the quarter 25-14 and taking a 42-36 lead into the locker room.

3st Bedroom

The third period was largely favorable to Pato. The home team returned from halftime with intensity and went on a 14-0 run in the opening minutes, extending their lead to 56-36. Flamengo struggled to score and saw their opponent maintain control of the quarter, dictating the pace of the game on both ends of the court. With a far superior performance, Pato won the quarter 25-7 and went into the final ten minutes with a comfortable lead: 67-43.

4st Bedroom

In the final period, Flamengo still tried to react and continued fighting until the end, seeking to reduce the disadvantage built by their opponent. Despite the red-and-black team's efforts, the difference on the scoreboard proved too great to be reversed. Pato maintained control of the game, won the quarter 17-10 and confirmed the victory 84-53.

Next challenge

Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Sunday (8), in Argentina, to face Nacional, at 19:10 pm, for the opening of the last window of the BCLA qualifying phase.

Starting Quintet

Baralle, Shaq Johnson, Gui Deodato, Markeith Cummings and Wesley.

Coach: Sergio Hernandez.