Flamengo won another one in the NBB! Playing away from home, at the Dona Salomé gymnasium (MG), FlaBasquete defeated Cruzeiro 93-80 this Sunday (21) and remains firmly among the leaders of the national competition. With an excellent performance, Negrete was the highlight of the match with 28 points scored. Now, the Pride of the Nation will face Minas, also away from Rio de Janeiro, in a very important duel for the top of the standings. 

Highlights

Negrete – 28 points;
Gui Deodato – 22 points;
Baralle – 12 points. 

1st Bedroom

The game started with a flurry of three-pointers. The first points for Flamengo came from Gui Deodato, who shot freely from beyond the arc. Playing at home, Cruzeiro had a good offensive efficiency and maintained the lead. Negrete provided a beautiful assist for Shaq Johnson to score a three-pointer. With Negrete still in the game, Flamengo took the lead for the first time. The game remained balanced until the final seconds of the quarter, with FlaBasquete finishing ahead by one point: 21-20. 

2st Bedroom

Right at the start of the second quarter, Baralle hit a three-pointer, increasing Flamengo's lead to four points. Negrete made a beautiful drive to the basket and scored two more points with a layup. Throughout the quarter, Flamengo grew into the game and built a good lead. However, in the final seconds, Cruzeiro managed to even the score again. Despite Cruzeiro's comeback, Flamengo went into halftime leading 43-40. 

3st Bedroom

Returning for the third quarter, the teams kept the game balanced. On the court, Kayo Gonçalves shot a three-pointer, but the ball fell in. Making some mistakes, the Flamengo team wasted many offensive opportunities. Cruzeiro took advantage of this to take the lead. In the final minutes, the teams traded the lead. The Minas Gerais team was more efficient and closed out the quarter with a 66-61 victory. 

4st Bedroom

In the final quarter, Flamengo came back stronger and turned the game around again with a basket from the ever-decisive Gui Deodato. Despite Flamengo's comeback, Cruzeiro regained the lead shortly after, making the game electrifying and open. In a crucial moment, Negrete shot a three-pointer and the ball went in. Flamengo improved their performance and regained the lead, but the game remained a close contest. 

With just over a minute remaining, the Minas Gerais team converted a three-pointer, cutting the difference to one point. But the monster Gui Deodato showed that he truly shines in crucial moments and hit another three-pointer. The number 1 jersey was essential in confirming the good moment for the Flamengo team in the final stretch. To seal the victory, Negrete took the ball under his arm, shot from beyond the arc, drew a foul, and converted the bonus free throw. The game ended with another important victory for Flamengo in the NBB, this time by 93 to 80.  

Next appointment

Pride of the Nation returns to the court on Tuesday (23) to face Minas, at 19 pm, at Arena UniBH, for the NBB. 

Starting Quintet

Negrete, Gui Deodato, Shaq Johnson, Cummings and Lucas Doria.
Coach: Sergio Hernandez.