A resounding victory for Flamengo! In Game 1 of the best-of-three quarter-final series of the BCLA, FlaBasquete dominated the court and beat Astros de Jalisco (MEX) 101-99, on Friday night (6), at Maracanãzinho. In a great team game, the Pride of the Nation dominated the Mexican team during the four periods and left the court with an important victory in the quest for qualification. Gui Deodato was the highlight of the match with 24 points converted.

Now, the red-black team will have to win at least one of the two games, which will take place in Mexico next Friday (13) and Saturday (14), to advance to the semifinals of the continental competition.  

Highlights

Gui Deodato - 24 points;
Shaq Johnson - 19 points;
Baralle - 19 points. 

1st Bedroom

With Alexey's return, Flamengo started the game with a three-pointer from Baralle. The beginning of the match was marked by balance, with the red-and-black team having a slight advantage on the scoreboard. A highlight was the good three-point shooting from Flamengo. In addition to Baralle, with two, Shaq Johnson also showed his accuracy and was precise in two perimeter shots. With this, the Pride of the Nation managed to open up a lead, reaching an 11-point advantage. It's also worth highlighting Gui Deodato's excellent quarter, being accurate with his three-pointers. With a great collective game, the beloved team closed the period winning 33-19. 

2st Bedroom

The Mexican team, the Astros, came back stronger in the second quarter, and in the opening minutes, managed to close the gap on the scoreboard. At a crucial moment, FlaBasquete responded with Baralle and Gui Deodato, who each hit a three-pointer to prevent their opponent from gaining momentum. Towards the end of the period, the Pride of the Nation regained confidence and went into halftime with a comfortable lead: 56 to 45.  

3st Bedroom

At the start of the third quarter, Gui Deodato attempted a three-point shot, drew a foul, and received another technical foul. He was awarded four free throws and converted three. With an excellent performance, Baralle hit another three-pointer from the corner. Maintaining defensive consistency, the Pride of the Nation continued to work their offensive plays well and finished successfully. In the final minutes, the Astros reacted and slightly reduced Flamengo's lead. On the court at the end of the period, Negrete took center stage and scored important points to keep Flamengo ahead. In the last second, Shaq Johnson shot well from beyond the three-point line and the ball went in! With that, the Pride of the Nation closed the quarter winning 78-66. 

4st Bedroom

In the final quarter, FlaBasquete maintained its intensity and continued scoring. The Flamengo defense was particularly noteworthy, being very well-positioned and making it difficult for the Astros to attack. Near the halfway point of the period, the Mexican team closed the gap again. This made the game electrifying in the final minutes. In the decisive moment, Cummings went for a drive, scored on a layup, and was fouled. The American converted the bonus free throw. With their hands calibrated, Gui Deodato and Jhonatan scored two three-pointers with less than two minutes remaining. In the final seconds, the Astros stopped the plays with fouls, hoping for Flamengo's missed free throws. However, the strategy didn't work, and the Pride of the Nation won with a score of 101 to 99. 

Next challenge

The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Friday (13) to face Astros de Jalisco, at 23:40 pm (Brasília time), at Arena Astros, in Mexico, for Game 2 of the BCLA quarterfinals. The match will be broadcast on FlamengoTV. 

Starting Quintet

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