Decided in the final seconds, FlaBasquete loses to São Paulo by 72 to 69 and says goodbye to the NBB
Pride of the Nation fought until the end, but could not get the victory to force Game 4
By Romulo Paranhos - in
In Game 3 of the NBB semifinals, FlaBasquete was defeated by São Paulo by 72 to 69 this Wednesday (17), at the Morumbi gymnasium. With the result, the Pride of the Nation ends its participation in the competition.
The game
FlaBasquete gained initial possession and scored two points through Gui Deodato. Gabriel Jaú then worked the ball well in the paint, hit a shot, was fouled, and converted the bonus free throw. The red-and-black defense played well, hindering São Paulo's infiltration moves. Jaú received the ball open and hit the first three-pointer of the match. After a good play-by-play, Hetsheimeir was unmarked and converted for three. In a well-balanced first quarter, the Pride of the Nation opened up an eight-point lead: 27-19.
São Paulo came back stronger in the second period and managed to close the gap. The game remained evenly matched; any mistake meant a counterattack. The São Paulo team pressed the defense and forced mistakes from the red-and-black team. At a crucial moment, Gui Deodato shot for a three-pointer, but the ball fell. After reviewing the instant replay, the referee ended up awarding a two-pointer. In the final minutes, the Tricolor Paulista fought back and turned the score around by a single point: 39-38.
After halftime, the game remained evenly matched, with the Tricolor's advantage minimal. Defensive prowess, Gui Deodato blocked Elinho beautifully. On offense, Deodato was equally accurate, hitting a three-pointer. The highlight was the red-and-black team's determination, fighting for every rebound, both defensively and offensively. In the final stretch of the third period, São Paulo maintained its lead: 54-49.
In the final quarter, the Red-Blacks made numerous offensive errors, especially on three-point attempts. At a crucial moment, Cuello converted a three-pointer and reduced the deficit to six points. The end of the game was electrifying! The Pride of the Nation, with great determination, reduced the deficit to just one point. Fischer, from the perimeter, hit a three-pointer at a crucial moment in the game, which was tied. But despite the comeback, São Paulo prevailed in the final seconds and closed the game 72-69.
Starting Quintet
Fischer, Gui Deodato, Cuello, Gabriel Jaú and Hettsheimeir.
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.