In another game at Maracanãzinho for the New Basketball Brazil (NBB), Flamengo beat União Corinthians 79 to 74 on Monday night (21). Gui Deodato and Gabriel Jaú, both with 16 points, were the highlights of the match.

Highlights
Gui Deodato - 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists;
Gabriel Jau - 16 points;
Cuello - 11 points and 8 rebounds;
Penka Aguirre - 9 points and 5 assists.

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The game
The match began with Gui Deodato grabbing a defensive rebound and leading the counterattack to score Flamengo's first two points of the game. União Corinthians responded quickly and turned the score around, eventually opening up an eight-point lead. In the final seconds of the quarter, Olivinha worked well in the paint and scored two. The red-and-black team couldn't find its footing and ended the period trailing 17-26.

Early in the second quarter, Rafa Mineiro took responsibility and hit a three-pointer to close the gap. The Pride of the Nation grew in the match and improved its attacking efficiency. Gui Deodato received the ball on the perimeter, took a chance, and converted. Despite the improvement, União Corinthians continued to sharpen its attacking focus. But Flamengo was truly determined to turn things around. Rachel and Gabriel Jaú stepped up at the right time and converted two three-pointers, reducing the deficit to just two points with a little over three minutes remaining in the quarter. Then, Deodato again stepped up and hit another three-pointer, helping Mengão take the lead and head into halftime with a 43-38 lead.

Coming back into the third quarter, the game became fiercely contested. União Corinthians briefly tied the score. But the Pride of the Nation remained focused, worked well on the offensive plays, and soon took the lead. Hettsheimer appeared well in the paint and, on a platter, scored two more before being fouled. He also converted the bonus free throw. In the final minute, União managed to take the lead again: 58-61.

In the final quarter, Olivinha scored two on a platter, and then Cuello shot for a three, but the ball fell. With that, Mengão regained the lead, but the game remained very even. Gui Deodato, with his usual precision, converted another three-pointer. Rafa Mineiro, in a decisive moment, showed his importance to the team by hitting a beautiful three-pointer. Argentinian Cuello, once again, showed his class to score another three-pointer, as did Gui Deodato shortly thereafter. In the final seconds, the Rubro-Negro managed the small advantage they had gained and left the court with another victory in the NBB: 79-74.

Starting Quintet
Penka Aguirre, Gui Deodato, Cuello, Gabriel Jaú and Hettsheimer.
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.

Next appointment
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Tuesday (29) to face Cerrado Basquete, at 20 pm, at Maracanãzinho.