Flamengo beat Mogi 69-67 on Monday night (3), at Ginásio Prof. Hugo Ramos, for the sixth round of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB). In a game with low efficiency from both teams and a lot of emotion at the end, the highlight of the night goes to Alexey Borges, who took the ball under his arm and led Flamengo to another victory. With the result, Mais Querido reaches its sixth consecutive victory and remains undefeated and leader of the national competition.

Now, Rubro-Negro is preparing to face Osasco, still in São Paulo, next Wednesday (5), for the last of four consecutive matches in the state.

Highlights

Negrete - 16 points; 
Alexey - 12 points and 8 rebounds;
Lucas Doria - 8 points;
Wesley - 8 points.

The game

1st Bedroom

Flamengo started the game with intensity. Alexey, always involved, initiated the plays by finding Negrete, who penetrated the defense and drew a foul. Soon after, the point guard took matters into his own hands and converted a three-pointer, opening up a lead for the Mengão (Flamengo). The Flamengo defense also stood out early on: they went four minutes without allowing the opponent to score. With a mid-range shot from Cummings, the score was 6-0 for Flamengo.

Despite a good start, both teams struggled offensively, with low shooting percentages and many offensive errors. Gui Deodato, back on the court, hit a three-pointer from the corner. The second unit entered the game and functioned well. Dee Bost and Lucas Doria showed good chemistry in the pick and roll, resulting in two more points and a foul drawn by the center: 12-9 Flamengo. Doria then appeared again, stealing the ball deep in the court and finishing calmly. In a quarter with a low score and many offensive missteps, Flamengo finished ahead: 14-11.

2st Bedroom

The second quarter began at a very different pace than the first. Flamengo's offense clicked, and in less than three minutes, they had already scored 10 points, opening up a 24-14 lead after Alex Negrete drove into the box and converted another basket, drawing a foul. But after the good start, the game became bogged down again. Both teams began to make many mistakes, and their offensive efficiency plummeted. The defenses prevailed over the offenses, and the score slowly increased until halftime. In a quarter of ups and downs, Flamengo maintained their lead and went into the locker room winning 31-27.

3st Bedroom

The third quarter began evenly, with both teams trading baskets and maintaining the pace of the game. Flamengo remained ahead, controlling the scoreboard with a narrow lead. Despite creating good opportunities, the red-and-black team still struggled with their shots. From the middle of the quarter until the final minutes, Mogi strung together a good series of attacks, tying the score at 39-39. Flamengo responded with composure; Alex Negrete drew a foul, converted all three free throws, and put the "Mais Querido" (Mogi) back in the lead. Without great shooting accuracy from the field, the team compensated with aggression, drawing fouls and scoring efficiently from the free-throw line. At the end of the period, Flamengo maintained control: 45-41.

4st Bedroom

The final quarter was full of strong emotions. Flamengo started better, building a lead and showing signs that they would control the end of the game. However, Mogi reacted in front of their home crowd, evened the score, and with three minutes remaining, turned the game around, opening up a six-point advantage. When the situation seemed unfavorable, the decisive character of the Flamengo squad emerged. Markeith Cummings converted a crucial basket that put Mengão back in the game. Following that, Alexey took center stage and had an impeccable final minute: he hit a three-pointer and then decisive free throws that put Flamengo ahead twice. With composure and character, the beloved team secured the away victory: 69-67.

Next challenge

The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Wednesday (5), to face Osasco, at 19:30 pm, at the Geodésico gymnasium, for the seventh round of the NBB. 

Starting Quintet

Alexey, Negrete, Shaq Johnson, Markeith Cummings and Wesley Castro.
Coach: Sergio Hernandez.