In a thrilling game, with the right to overtime, Orgulho da Nação got the best of it and beat Minas 96-94 this Tuesday (09), at Arena Minas, in the 22nd round of the NBB. The red-black team's top scorer in the match was Olivinha, who scored 32 points and grabbed ten rebounds. With the result, Mengão took the isolated lead of the competition.

The game
The first two points of the match were converted by Olivinha. Olivinha then hit another three-pointer for Orgulho da Nação. In a tight match, Flamengo and Minas traded points on offense, but the home team managed to open up a four-point lead. The first quarter ended 21-17 for Minas.  

Early in the second quarter, Léo Demétrio scored two more for the Red-Blacks. Yago then broke through on the counterattack, penetrated the paint, and scored two in a beautiful play. Better defensively, the Red-Blacks pressed the defense and forced mistakes from Minas Gerais. On an excellent play by Martinez, Olivinha converted two points to tie the game. In the final seconds of the period, the Minas Gerais team scored a three-pointer and took a one-point lead: 37-36.

In the third quarter, Hettsheimeir scored his first three points of the match. With Yago on the court as point guard, Flamengo picked up the pace and found it easier to create offensive plays. Chuzito hit two consecutive three-pointers, helping Flamengo take the lead. The match remained open, and the two teams traded points. In an excellent quarter, Flamengo finished ahead 63-58.

In the final quarter, Flamengo continued to play at a high pace, making it difficult for Minas to create offensive plays. Yago, who excelled in the game, made a beautiful individual play, penetrated the paint, and scored two more for Mengão, opening up an eight-point lead. In the final minutes, Minas fought back and closed the gap, creating a thrilling finale. The match ended tied at 75-75 and went into overtime.

In the opening seconds of overtime, Olivinha scored two more for Fla. Again! The FlaBasquete God of Race converted a crucial three-pointer. Yago wasn't far behind, scoring another three points for Mengão. In the final seconds, the Minas Gerais team stalled the game with fouls, and with that, Mengão managed to convert the free throws and leave the court with a crucial 96-94 victory.

Highlights:
Olivinha – 32 points and 10 rebounds;
Yago – 22 points.

And now?
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Friday (12) to face Pato Basquete, at 17 pm, at Arena Minas.

Starting Quintet
Franco Balbi, Chuzito, Marquinhos, Olivinha and Hettsheimeir.
Coach: Gustavo de Conti.


The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo rely on resources from their sponsors – BRB, 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 Committee of Clubs (CBC).