With a spectacular comeback in the last quarter, FlaBasquete beats São Paulo in the NBB
Rubro-Negro had the unconditional support of the fans to achieve victory at home, overcoming a difference that reached almost 20 points
By Isabela Abirached - inFlaBasquete hosted São Paulo for another duel in the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) on Saturday afternoon (2), at Tijuca Tênis Clube. On the court, a great game. In the stands, the red-and-black fans shone like the Sixth Player. After spending the first three quarters behind on the scoreboard, the red-and-black team managed to overcome a deficit that reached almost 20 points to turn the game around in the last period, with unconditional support from the Nation, who made a lot of noise in the gym.
The final score was a fantastic 88 to 78 for the Pride of the Nation, who recovered spectacularly and ended up winning the match comfortably.
The red-and-blacks' standouts in the match were Yago, who topped the scoreboard with 19 points, and Túlio da Silva, who achieved a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds. Franco Balbi and Brandon Robinson also shone, with 18 and 14 points each, respectively.
The game
São Paulo started the match better, winning the first quarter 27-17. Flamengo managed to get closer at times, but couldn't contain their opponent's offensive momentum. In the second period, Flamengo came back stronger, taking an 8-2 lead in the first three minutes. The fans in the gym came out and cheered the team on in their comeback, but São Paulo's lead fell again, and the São Paulo team won another quarter. Flamengo went into halftime trailing by 14 points.
After the locker room, a very even third quarter unfolded, with the red-and-black team playing with dedication and the support of the fans. Flamengo won the period and came back strong in the final period, even reducing the opponent's lead to just six points with eight minutes remaining. With six minutes remaining, a beautiful three-pointer by Yago Mateus made the score 65-69 and lifted the nation in the stands. It wasn't long before the Monstrinho himself put Flamengo ahead for the first time, with just over four minutes remaining: 73-72.
In the final moments of the match, São Paulo felt the turnaround and the game's atmosphere change, with Flamengo taking advantage of their shots, playing with passion and confidence, driven by the chants of the red-and-black fans. The atmosphere in Tijuca already predicted victory for Mengão even before the end of the match. The match ended 88-78 for the Rio de Janeiro team, who won the final period 33-13.
Next appointment
Flamengo returns to action on Wednesday (6), for the first match of the Final 8 of the Champions League Americas. The duel will be against Minas Tênis Clube, at Arena Carioca 1, which hosts this stage of the competition. Tickets are on sale at flamengo.superingresso.com.br, for all games in the decisive phase, which runs from April 6th to 9th.
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 Committee of Clubs (CBC).