In the first game of the NBB semifinals, FlaBasquete had another great collective performance and beat Paulistano 92-69 on Monday night (10), at the Maracanãzinho gymnasium. The highlight of the match was Yago with 22 points and nine assists, being a key player in the red-black triumph.

The game
Flamengo's first two points of the game came on a drive by Yago, following a beautiful pass from Rafa Mineiro. Jhonatan Luz then hit a three-pointer. In another stunning individual play, Yago entered the paint, converted two, was fouled, and scored the bonus free throw. Defensively, Flamengo managed to hamper Paulistano's attacking moves. The Pride of the Nation finished the period ahead 25-15.

Early in the second quarter, Olivinha attempted his first three-pointer and succeeded. For a few minutes, the red-and-black team was unable to score, but they still showed solid defense. At a crucial moment in the quarter, Rafa Mineiro converted a crucial three-pointer. Yago continued to excel and provided a beautiful assist for Mineiro to score two more. The Mais Querido (Most Beloved) team remained ahead 40-38.

After halftime, Hettsheimeir converted for two and was also fouled. On a counterattack, Martinez received a free kick from outside the perimeter and scored three more points for Mengão. Olivinha reached a double-double with eleven points and 14 rebounds, putting in an excellent performance. Marquinhos, with his usual skill, shot three and converted. Yago dictated the pace of the red-and-black attack and had excellent free throw shooting. In a very consistent quarter, the red-and-black team managed to build a strong lead: 69-54.

In the final period, Orgulho da Nação continued to impose its rhythm and further widen the lead. Leo Demetrio provided a chipped pass for Rafa Mineiro to sink two more. Lucas Martinez then hit another three-pointer. Showing superiority from start to finish, with another excellent collective performance, FlaBasquete took the lead in the best-of-five series and won the match 92-69.

Highlights
Yago – 22 points and 9 assists;
Marquinhos – 12 points;
Olivinha – 11 points and 14 rebounds;
Rafael Mineiro – 11 points;
Hettsheimeir – 11 points.

Next appointment
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court on Wednesday (12) to face Paulistano again, at 20:45 pm, at Maracanãzinho, for the second game of the NBB semifinals.

Starting Quintet
Yago, Jhonatan Luz, Marquinhos, Olivinha and Rafael Mineiro.


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