In a match decided in the final seconds, FlaBasquete beats Corinthians at Maracanãzinho
Orgulho da Nação made its strength count in the decisive moments and defeated the São Paulo team by 76 to 71
By Romulo Paranhos - in
En a very balanced classic night for the New Basketball Brazil (NBB), Flamengo beat Corinthians 76-71 this Tuesday (22), at Maracanãzinho. The highlights of the match for the red-black side were Yago with 21 points and Rafa Mineiro with 16. Now, the Pride of the Nation returns to the court on Thursday (24) to face União Corinthians.
The game
The match began with Corinthians taking a four-point lead. FlaBasquete quickly fought back, hitting two three-pointers with Mineiro and Faverani. During the quick transition to attack, Yago found a beautiful pass to Olivinha, who converted two more. Just before the halfway point, Franco Balbi replaced Yago to set up the plays. Túlio worked the ball well in the paint and, with a hook shot, scored two points for Fla. In the final seconds, Túlio made a beautiful block, and Yago, back on the court, led the counterattack and scored two more. The first period ended evenly tied: 12-12.
Early in the second quarter, Luke Martinez received an open ball at the three-point line and converted the points for Mengão. In a beautiful counterattack led by Luke, Túlio received a pass from Rachel and dunked a ball that sent the nation into the stands. The Pride of the Nation worked the ball well on offense, and Mineiro received the ball in position to hit another three-pointer. FlaBasquete, the dominant team in the quarter, finished the first half with a nine-point lead: 35-26.
After halftime, Corinthians rallied and scored five straight points, closing the gap. Yago found himself completely free and hit a three-pointer at a crucial moment. Once again, the red-and-black monster received the ball unmarked and converted another three-pointer. With great style, Balbi made a run into the paint and scored two more. Even with the São Paulo team's increased play, the Pride of the Nation remained ahead: 53-49.
In the final quarter, the match remained evenly matched, with Corinthians even turning the game around. Mineiro, performing well and with excellent shooting accuracy, shot a three-pointer and converted. At a crucial moment, Yago converted a crucial three-pointer. Túlio then grabbed the offensive rebound and added two more points for Flamengo. In a play created by Yago, Mineiro received the ball from outside the perimeter and converted. In the final seconds, El Mago Balbi, with all his skill and decisiveness, hit another three-pointer that virtually sealed the Flamengo victory, 76-71.
Next appointment
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Thursday (24) to face União Corinthians, at 17 pm, at Maracanãzinho, in another round of the NBB.
Starting Quintet
Yago, Brandon Robinson, Mineiro, Olivinha and Faverani.
Coach: Gustavo de Conti.