See you again in Rio to fight for the cup, Nation! On Thursday night (6), FlaBasquete beat Franca 76-68, at the Pedrocão gymnasium, tied the best-of-five final series of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) and took the decision home.

Before returning to Rio de Janeiro, the next game will be again in Franca, this Saturday (8), at 17:10 pm. But Game 4, at our home, is guaranteed. We're counting on you, our Sixth Player, to fight for the cup: click here and secure your tickets for the duel at Maracanãzinho!

Match Highlights

Points - Deodato (23), Devon Scott (17), Cuello (16)

Rebounds - Devon Scott (6), Balbi (6), Jaú (6)

Assists - Balbi (10), Devon Scott (4)

Flamengo fan club members get free customization—up to 10 letters and one number—on their Sacred Mantle, cashback on products purchased at Official Flamengo Stores, and priority access and discounts on tickets. Click here and join the Nação!

The game

Homeowner Franca opened the scoring, but it didn't take long for Flamengo to turn the game around (4-5) with 7:40 remaining in the quarter. Within minutes, Flamengo's lead reached 12 points (5-17), thanks to baskets from Jaú, Balbi, and Scott Machado, a thrilling dunk from Devon Scott, and two consecutive shots from Loku Cuello – a three-pointer. By the end of the first quarter, Franca had closed the gap to seven points, and the quarter closed at 16-23.

The second quarter began evenly, with Flamengo trying to make up for lost time, but Flamengo remained focused, never giving the home team much of a chance. A well-worked play between Balbi and Devon Scott saw the Argentine finish with a perimeter shot that put Flamengo 10 points ahead (23-33) and prompted coach Helinho to call a timeout. With just over three minutes remaining in the half, Deodato also hit a three-pointer that gave Flamengo their biggest lead in the match so far: 13 points (25-38). The "record" would soon be broken, with baskets from Devon Scott—who was having a great game—giving Flamengo a 15-point lead (28-43). The teams went into the locker room with the score at 37-45. 

The third quarter began with a comeback from Franca, who closed the gap and outscored Flamengo during the period. Cuello, Jaú, and Deodato scored for the Mais Querido, but the team from Gávea was plagued with errors. With the lead at just three points, a three-pointer from the number 1 gave the Rubro-Negro a breathing room. Franca led the period, but overall, Mengão remained ahead by six points.

The game, which was getting tight, brightened up again. After a few tense minutes in the third quarter, the final period saw the perimeter balls fall into the hands of Cuello, Scott Machado, and Gui Deodato, who gave Mengo a more comfortable lead. The team didn't relinquish the lead until the final clock expired. Victory assured, series tied and guarantee of bringing the final to Rio de Janeiro: click here and secure your tickets for Game 4, at Maracanãzinho!

Starting Quintet

Franco Balbi, Gui Deodato, Didi Louzada, Gabriel Jaú and Devon Scott

Coach: Gustavo De Conti.