In the first game of the semifinals of the New Basketball Brazil (NBB), FlaBasquete took the lead and beat Minas 76-67 on Thursday night (12), at the Tijuca Tênis Clube gymnasium. In the spirit of the Nation, Mengão dominated the match from start to finish, with Lucas Martinez being the highlight with 15 points. Now, Mais Querido goes to Belo Horizonte next Sunday (15) to play the second game of the series.

The game
The first two points of the game came from JP Batista, who immediately hit a three-pointer. Rafael Rachel faked and also converted a three-pointer. The Pride of the Nation was very good at offensive rebounding, managing to keep most of the shots. This gave the team time to calmly work their plays and score. FlaBasquete dominated the first quarter and finished with a ten-point lead: 22-12.

Minas came back more focused in the second period and reduced the red-and-black advantage. Olivinha made a good individual play in the paint, converted the points, drew the foul, and nailed the bonus free throw. Following that, the "God of Race" hit another three-pointer for Mengão. Faverani, with help from the backboard, also converted another three points. As the fourth quarter progressed, the Pride of the Nation opened up a lead again and closed the first half ahead: 39-26.

In the opening seconds of the third quarter, FlaBasquete moved the ball well, and Luke Martinez converted another three points. Dar Tucker, alert to the game, pounced on the rebound and sunk two more. As the clock expired, Olivinha provided a beautiful assist to Faverani, inside the paint, for another two points. Yago then tried from outside the perimeter, and the ball went in, scoring his first points of the game. "Mais Querido" maintained the lead: 55-44.   

In the fourth quarter, Luke Martinez made a good drive into the paint and scored two more for Flamengo. Minas Gerais staged a comeback and closed the deficit to five points. In a decisive moment, Yago converted four consecutive free throws. Minas Gerais was committing numerous fouls, and the red-and-black team capitalized on their chances to make shots.

Without any scares, FlaBasquete won 76-67 and opened up an advantage in the best-of-five series of the NBB semifinals.

Highlights
Lucas Martinez – 15 points;
JP Batista – 12 points;
Yago – 11 points.

Next appointment
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court on Sunday (15) to face Minas again, at 11 am, in Belo Horizonte, for the second game of the NBB semifinals.

Starting Quintet
Yago, Lucas Martinez, Rafael Rachel, Mineiro and JP Batista.
Coach: Gustavo de Conti.