In a packed Tijuca gymnasium, Flamengo defeated NBB leader Franca 79-74 this Tuesday and remains in the hunt, now even closer. The result was crucial for the team, which is enjoying its fifth consecutive victory in the competition and demonstrating a strong comeback after trailing for three quarters, only to come back in the final and emerge victorious. The team's determination also serves as another motivational factor for the FIBA ​​Intercontinental Cup, which will take place at Arena Carioca 1 on February 15th and 17th. The first match will be against Austin Spurs of the USA. The winner will face the winner of San Lorenzo and AEK in the other semifinal. 

It was another great performance from Argentine point guard Franco Balbi, who finished the game as the top scorer with 16 points and six assists. Olivinha (14), Marquinhos, Varejão and Nesbitt (all with 11 points) also reached double digits. 

The game

The first quarter wasn't the best for Flamengo. The red-and-black ball stubbornly refused to fall, and Mengão went into the second quarter trailing 25-14. Franca dominated the match and seemed to be playing at home during the period when the red-and-black defense simply didn't work. 

But things soon improved. With point guard Franco Balbi inspired, especially on his drives, the Mais Querido closed the gap in the second quarter, winning 26-20, and went into halftime trailing by just five points: 45-40.

This five-point deficit stubbornly refused to be overcome. Despite Flamengo's strong offensive output in the third quarter, and especially Anderson Varejão, who scored six points and grabbed three rebounds, Franca always managed to escape when the Pride of the Nation got close, frustrating the fans in Tijuca. The São Paulo team went into the final intermission with the same lead as at the beginning: 61 to 56.

But it was only a matter of time. In the decisive quarter, Flamengo took the lead thanks to its star team. Olivinha showed great determination and scored seven points, leading the comeback. Rubro-Negra. With his chemistry in place with Marquinhos, the number 16 was directly responsible for the lead point and, in the end, for the 79 that sealed the match and secured Mengão's victory. Now it's time to rest, wait for the All-Star Games break, and focus on the fight for a second World Cup. 

The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo rely on resources from their sponsors – AmBev, Rede D'or, Furnas – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR), in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC) resulting from the decentralization of resources originating from the Pelé Law.