In the eighth round of the NBB, FlaBasquete returned to play at Maracanãzinho and beat Minas 99-63 on Saturday afternoon (20). The Nation attended the gym and saw another excellent collective performance by the Pride of the Nation, which included the return of Argentine Franco Balbi to the courts after a long period recovering from injury.

Highlights
Brandon Robinson - 19 points and 8 rebounds;
Dar Turcker - 18 points;
Túlio - 13 points and 6 rebounds.

The game
Minas started the match better and opened up a six-point lead. Flamengo's first points came from Olivinha, on a drive into the paint. Mengão's "God of Race" showed his accuracy and added three more. Within seconds, "Pride of the Nation" reduced Minas' eight-point deficit to two. Yago, with a beautiful three-point shot, put Flamengo ahead. At the end of the first quarter, Argentine Franco Balbi entered the court after a long injury layoff and, right away, provided a beautiful assist for Faverani to convert two more. "Mais Querido" (The Most Beloved) finished the first period leading 23-14.

Balbi masterfully set up the Rubro-Negro's attacking plays upon his return, further widening the gap. Midway through the quarter, Yago returned to the court, and the team switched to playing with two point guards. Brandon Robinson hit a stunning three-pointer, further expanding the Rubro-Negro's lead. With just seconds remaining, Dar Tucker also hit a three-pointer. The Pride of the Nation went into halftime with a 15-point lead: 45-30.

The third period began with Túlio Silva hitting an early three-pointer. Brandon Robinson also converted his from the perimeter. Well-placed on defense, Flamengo neutralized Minas' attack, preventing any kind of comeback. Balbi, returning to the court, provided a magical assist for JP to sink two more. Olivinha, from three, continued his sharp aim. With a flurry of three-pointers and efficient defense, Flamengo had complete control of the match and saw their lead grow ever larger: 76-46.

In the fourth quarter, Faverani returned to the court and quickly scored two more for Mengão. It's worth noting that Balbi demonstrated great agility upon his return, playing much of the game and forming an excellent playmaking partnership with Yago. In the final minutes, Mengão continued to impose its rhythm and closed out the game 99-63.

Starting Quintet
Yago, Brandon Robinson, Mineiro, JP Batista and Olivinha.

Next appointment
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court on December 2nd to face Rio Claro, at 20 pm, again at Maracanãzinho.


The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo rely on resources from their sponsors – BRB, MOSS, TIM, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and State Incentive Law/State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure and Youth (Seelje) of Rio de Janeiro, in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC).