With attention focused on the return of the NBB, FlaBasquete beat Fortaleza BC 84-79 on Thursday night (13), at the Tijuca Tênis Clube gymnasium, in a very balanced duel that was decided in the last seconds. Ruan Miranda was the red-black highlight with 14 points. Now, Orgulho da Nação will play again at home against Unifacisa, next Saturday (15).

Highlights
Ruan Miranda – 14 points;
Jordan Williams – 12 points;
Shaq Johnson – 11 points;
Taya Gallizzi – 11 points.

1st Bedroom
FlaBasquete's first two points came from Shaq Johnson, who converted two free throws. Kayo Gonçalves hit Mengão's first three-pointer, which kept them ahead. But the match was evenly matched, with Fortaleza taking the lead with just over three minutes remaining. Alexey, who sat out the last BCLA match, came on and immediately scored a three-pointer. Fortaleza ended up winning the first period 21-20.

2st Bedroom
Early in the second quarter, Taya Gallizzi scored four straight points with two baskets from inside the paint. Fortaleza, meanwhile, continued to score and held the lead. Ruan worked well in the paint, scoring two points, drawing a foul, and converting the bonus free throw. With two free throws made by Shaq Johnson, Flamengo tied the score. With just seconds remaining in the second quarter, Gui Deodato hit a two-pointer to put the Pride of the Nation ahead by one point: 41-40.

3st Bedroom
After halftime, Kayo Gonçalves received the ball in perfect condition and hit another three-pointer. Shaq Johnson followed suit, also scoring from the perimeter. As the quarter progressed, the red-and-black team improved its defense and became more effective on offense. This led to a more comfortable lead. In the final minutes, the Pride of the Nation maintained its lead, closing the quarter at 65-57.

4st Bedroom
In the final quarter, FlaBasquete maintained its momentum and continued scoring. Fortaleza tried to get closer, but the red-and-black team gave them no chance to react. Gui Deodato received the ball in perfect condition, shot from the perimeter, and the ball went in. Another three points for the number 1. The match remained even until the final seconds, when Fortaleza cut the deficit to four points. Jordan Williams and Gui Deodato went to the free throw line and converted all four shots. With that, the Pride of the Nation secured the victory 84-79.

Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court on Saturday (15) to face Unifacisa, at 19 pm, again at Tijuca Tênis Clube, in another round of the New BasBrazil poll (NBB).

Starting Quintet
Franco Balbi, Shaq Johnson, Jhonatan Luz, Kayo Gonçalves and Ruan Miranda.
Coach: Fernando Pereira.