Another Final Four for FlaBasquete! In Game 2 of the Basketball Champions League Americas (BCLA) quarterfinals, Flamengo achieved an exciting victory over Astros de Jalisco by 77 to 75, in the early hours of this Saturday (14), in Guadalajara, Mexico. With eight seconds remaining, the game was tied and heading into overtime. Until Negrete, in a beautiful penetration play, scored the two points that sealed the victory and the red-black team's qualification for the semifinals of the continental competition, eliminating the need for the third game.   

Highlights

Gui Deodato – 16 points;
Shaq Johnson – 13 points;
Negrete – 12 points. 

1st Bedroom

FlaBasquete started the game by opening the scoring with a point from Cummings on a free throw. After two offensive errors by the Astros, the red-and-black team converted two three-pointers with Shaq Johnson and Gui Deodato, respectively. With an overwhelming start to the game, the Pride of the Nation managed to open up a ten-point lead. With a consistent defense, Flamengo made it difficult for the offensive team to play and forced errors from the Mexican team. In a beautiful penetration play, Negrete scored two more on a layup. An excellent first quarter for the beloved team, which knew how to control the action and closed the period winning 25-16.

2st Bedroom

At the start of the second quarter, Shaq Johnson converted two free throws, and soon after, scored two more points. Responding to the Astros' three three-pointers, Gui Deodato didn't disappoint, hitting two perimeter shots to maintain a comfortable lead. A spectacular offensive performance from the Flamengo team, which also proved very consistent defensively. In the final minutes, the Mexican team rallied and closed the gap. With a three-point advantage, Flamengo went into halftime leading 43-40. 

3st Bedroom

Returning for the third quarter, the Astros managed to take the lead, but Flamengo quickly responded with a three-pointer from Gui Deodato. The Flamengo team fell a little short in the period and allowed their opponent to gain momentum. Despite the low offensive efficiency in the period, the Flamengo defense remained solid and did not allow the Mexican team to pull away on the scoreboard. In the final seconds, Alexey came down at speed and hit a crucial three-pointer. The Astros closed the quarter with a lead by only two points: 57 to 55. 

4st Bedroom

At the start of the final quarter, Flamengo took the lead with four points from Negrete: two from free throws and two more with a beautiful dunk. Kayo Gonçalves, his main weapon, converted from beyond the arc, as did Shaq Johnson shortly after. At a crucial moment in the game, Flamengo's shots started falling again, increasing their lead. On a counter-attack, Gui Deodato provided a beautiful assist for Cummings to dunk for two more points. With just over a minute remaining, Flamengo led by four points. In an absolutely dramatic and tied finish, with eight seconds left, Negrete drove to the offensive court, penetrated the paint, and even while falling, scored the two points that sealed the thrilling 77-75 victory for Flamengo. With this result, Flamengo qualified for the BCLA Final Four. 

Next challenge

Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Thursday (19) to face Pinheiros, at 18 pm, at Maracanãzinho, for the final rounds of the NBB qualifying phase. 

Starting Quintet

Baralle, Shaq Johnson, Gui Deodato, Cummings and Wesley.
Coach: Sergio Hernandez.