Heading to the final! In a match valid for the semifinal of the Champions League of the Americas, Flamengo defeated São Paulo 75-66 this Sunday (11), at the Polideportivo Alexis Argüello gymnasium, in Managua, Nicaragua. The Pride of the Nation's standout in the match was Marquinhos with 14 points. With excitement in the final minutes, the red-black team gave their opponent no chance and achieved a historic victory, which guaranteed them a place in the tournament's grand final.

The game
FlaBasquete opened the scoring with a three-pointer from Marquinhos, who added two more points shortly after. The red-and-black team worked well on offense, moving the ball around to find the best scoring opportunities. "Pride of the Nation" played excellent defense and made it very difficult for São Paulo's attack. On the court, Argentine Diego Figueredo showed his talent and added another three for Mengão. Lucas Martinez was no slouch, also converting from outside the perimeter. "Mais Querido" finished the first quarter with a solid 24-09 lead.

In the opening seconds of the second quarter, Hettsheimeir took a free throw for a three-pointer, and the ball went in. Leo Demetrio, in the dead zone, also found space and converted another three-pointer. With high intensity, the Pride of the Nation made the game easy, thanks to a well-compacted defense and a quick transition to attack. In the final part of the quarter, São Paulo reacted and began to score more. Even so, Mengão went into halftime with a good lead: 37 to 23.

In the third period, FlaBasquete maintained its intense pace. Jhonatan Luz scored the ninth three-pointer for the red-and-black team. Rafael Mineiro made a beautiful pass to Marquinhos, who scored two more and was fouled. Mengão didn't let the pace drop and maintained its intensity on the attack. Yago found Rafa Mineiro open to shoot and score another three-pointer, as did Diego Figueredo, who hit another three-pointer. The Mais Querido maintained its healthy lead: 62-43.

In the final period, São Paulo came back stronger and managed to close the deficit to 13 points. The Red-and-Blacks missed some offensive shots, while the Morumbi team capitalized on rebounds to quickly counterattack. In the final minutes, the game became electrifying, with both teams exchanging points. With less than two minutes remaining, São Paulo narrowed the deficit to six points. Lucas Martinez hit a crucial three-pointer that sealed the Red-and-Blacks' 75-66 victory.

With merit, the Pride of the Nation dominated the game from start to finish and secured a place in the grand final of the competition.  

Highlights
Marquinhos - 14 points;
Luke Martinez - 11 points;
Yago Santos - 11 points;
Rafael Mineiro - 10 points.

Next appointment
FlaBasquete returns to the court next Tuesday (13) to face Real Estelí in the grand final of the Champions League of the Americas. The decision takes place at 22:10 pm, at the Alexis Argüello gym, in Managua.

Starting Quintet
Yago, Lucas Martinez, Marquinhos, Leo Demetrio and Rafael Mineiro.


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 Club Committee (CBC).