With a victory over Franca away from home, FlaBasquete returns to the top of the NBB
Gui Deodato is a big highlight and top scorer; Pride of the Nation returns to Rio de Janeiro and hosts Paulistano on Tuesday (26)
By Isabela Abirached - inAn important victory to regain the lead and bring Rio de Janeiro confidence for the upcoming challenges! With a gala night from top scorer Gui Deodato, FlaBasquete defeated Franca, away from home, 88-73, in the qualifying round of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB).
Next week, the team led by Gustavo De Conti will have two home games, against Paulistano and São Paulo, at Maracanãzinho. Click here and buy your tickets!
Highlights
Points - Deodato (23), Balbi (16), Didi (15)
Rebounds - Didi (8), Deodato (8), Scott (6)
Assists - Deodato (4), Jaú (2)
The game
The Rubro-Negro came out with a strong offensive force and sharp aim in the first quarter. Undaunted by the pressure from the opposing fans and led by Gui Deodato—who reached 12 points in the quarter—the team from Gávea shot 76.6% from the field and scored 36 points in the first 10 minutes. Defensively, their dedication and 10 rebounds held Franca to 19. Scott Machado and Maique, with seven points each, also stood out in the quarter.
In the second quarter, the opponent was making mistakes, and Flamengo continued to hold on to the advantage they had built in the opening minutes. Flamengo's dominance was significant, with their players at ease on the court, while Franca was unable to react. Halfway through the quarter, Flamengo opened up a 21-point lead, with Didi at the free throw line (31-52). Franca ended up winning the quarter (20-16), but FlaBasquete continued to lead strongly: 52-39.
Flamengo's first points after halftime came once again from top scorer Gui Deodato, from outside the perimeter. Besides the #1, Didi was also having a great game. Flamengo controlled the game well until the final quarter, when the Franca team fought back and closed the gap (63-70). It was Deodato who once again brought Flamengo back to a comfortable position with a beautiful three-pointer that put the Mais Querido within 14 points of Franca, with just over four minutes remaining on the clock. In the final moments, the game, which had heated up, regained control, and Mengão secured another victory and the lead in the competition.
Next challenge
Now, FlaBasquete returns to Rio de Janeiro for the next challenges in the NBB, both at 20 pm, at Maracanãzinho: on Tuesday (26), the team faces Paulistano; on Thursday (28), São Paulo. Click here to secure your tickets for the matches!
Starting Quintet
Franco Balbi, Gui Deodato, Didi Louzada, Maique and Gabriel Jaú
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.