After winning their third consecutive Copa América title, FlaBasquete turned their attention to the NBB playoffs and did well! In the first game of the round of 98, the Orgulho da Nação imposed their rhythm on the court and easily defeated Caxias do Sul 52-23, this Wednesday (17), at the Sesi-RS gymnasium. With 27 points, Jhonatan Luz was the highlight of the match. The second game of the best-of-five series takes place next Sunday (XNUMX), in Rio de Janeiro.

Highlights
Jhonatan Luz – 17 points;
Jordan Williams – 13 points;
Gui Deodato – 12 points;
Lucas Siewert – 12 points. 

1st Bedroom 
The first three points of the game came from Kayo Gonçalves. Jordan Williams then converted a three-pointer. The Pride of the Nation controlled the action in the opening minutes, opening up a healthy lead. In the second half, Caxias found more space and closed the gap a bit. FlaBasquete closed the first quarter with a five-point lead: 20-15. 

2st Bedroom
In the second quarter, the red-and-black team continued to hold the lead, preventing the home team from closing in on the scoreboard. On the court, Jhonatan Luz came out on top, hitting four three-pointers in the first half, leading the scoring charts. On his first shot, Gui Deodato converted from the perimeter to add three more points to Mengão's account. With excellent three-point shooting, the Pride of the Nation gradually built an advantage, leading 49-33 at halftime. 

3st Bedroom
In the third quarter, FlaBasquete continued to dominate the action, primarily exploiting infiltration plays in the paint. Jordan Williams received an open three-pointer, and the ball fell. While the red-and-black offense was working, the defense also proved solid, managing to neutralize Caxias's plays, which went more than half a quarter without scoring. The Pride of the Nation closed the quarter with an even larger lead: 73-35. 

4st Bedroom
In the fourth quarter, Jhonatan Luz returned to the game and scored another three-pointer, bringing his total to 17 points. With a significant lead, the red-and-black team felt comfortable on the court and continued to excel at three-pointers. In the final minutes, FlaBasquete held on to their enormous advantage, winning 98-52 and taking the lead in the first game of the NBB Round of XNUMX. 

Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court on Sunday (27) to face Caxias do Sul again, at 11 am, at the Tijuca Tênis Clube gym, for the second game of the NBB round of XNUMX. 

Starting Quintet
Alexey, Shaq Johnson, Jordan Williams, Kayo Gonçalves and Ruan Miranda.
Coach: Sergio Hernandez.