In the Rio classic that opened the return leg of the NBB, FlaBasquete beat Vasco 84-79 on Monday night (8) at Maracanãzinho. Gabriel Jaú and Didi were the red-blacks' highlights in the match with 17 points each. It was the Pride of the Nation's 12th consecutive victory in the championship.

Highlights
Gabriel Jaú – 17 points;
Didi – 17 points;
Cuello – 11 points;
Gui Deodato – 10 points.

1st Bedroom
The classic began with a fierce battle on the court. Franco Balbi scored the first two points for Vasco. Pushed by the Nation, Vasco started the quarter behind, but the lead was small. Didi entered the match with his hands in control and quickly scored a three-pointer. Scott Machado then connected from the perimeter to tie the match. At the end of the quarter, Vasco managed to take the lead again, closing at 20-17.

2st Bedroom
Vasco took the lead early in the second quarter. The Red-Blacks were struggling to make good use of their three-point shots, wasting valuable points on offense. Back after recovering from injury, "The God of Race" Olivinha scored his first two points of the game with a layup. The Pride of the Nation surged in the final minutes and got back in the lead.

Once again, Olivinha was decisive and leveled the score with another layup. The teams alternated the lead until Jaú stole a crucial ball in the frontcourt and scored on a layup, tying the score again. Then, in the final seconds, Gui Deodato hit a three-pointer to give Mengão a 41-36 lead at halftime.

3st Bedroom
The Pride of the Nation returned with a strong defense, hindering Vasco's attacks. Loku Cuello received the ball freely and fired from the perimeter, increasing the Flamengo's lead. After stealing the ball up front, Didi scored two more for Flamengo. For a good stretch, the score was ten points in Flamengo's favor. Scott Machado, always with his sharp aim, hit another three-pointer, as did Gui Deodato. Flamengo remained ahead and closed the quarter at 62-57.  

4st Bedroom
In the final quarter, the derby remained evenly matched. Vasco sought a comeback, while Flamengo continued to score. Their opponent managed to tie the match with just over six minutes remaining. In a crucial moment, Cuello hit a three-pointer that fired up the Red-Black Nation in the gym. In the final minutes, the game became even more exciting. The teams traded points, and the Red-Black advantage was very tight. The Pride of the Nation converted the final free throws and secured a hard-fought victory over their rival: 84-79.

Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Thursday (11) to face Minas, at 19 pm, at Arena UniBH, in another commitment for the NBB.

Starting Quintet
Franco Balbi, Gui Deodato, Loku Cuello, Marko Filipovity and Devon Scott.
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.