In its debut in the Basketball Champions League Americas, FlaBasquete beat Boca Juniors 70-69 on Sunday night (15), at the Tijuca Tênis Clube gymnasium, in a very balanced duel from start to finish. Gui Deodato and Shaq Johnson were the highlights of the match, both with 16 points scored.

Highlights
Gui Deodato – 16 points;
Shaq Johnson – 16 points;
Alexey – 11 points;
Lucas Siewert – 10 points.

1st Bedroom
The duel between Brazil and Argentina started evenly, with both teams alternating the lead. Boca Juniors hit three consecutive three-pointers. Boca Juniors, on the other hand, responded with two-pointers, consistently keeping the lead within one point. At a crucial moment, Lucas Siewert received an open ball on the perimeter and scored the three points. The first quarter was evenly matched, with the Argentines leading 22-20.  

2st Bedroom
At the start of the second quarter, Boca Juniors extended their lead to five points. With some offensive errors, the red-and-black team struggled to score. Meanwhile, the Argentines capitalized on their chances to score. In the final minutes, the Pride of the Nation fought back and got back on the scoreboard. With Kayo Gonçalves' sharp aim on the three-pointer, the deficit was reduced to just one point. In the final seconds, Boca Juniors scored again and closed the quarter ahead 35-33.  

3st Bedroom
FlaBasquete returned from halftime making offensive mistakes and wasting scoring chances. As a result, Boca Juniors continued their attacking efforts and capitalized on their opportunities. Gui Deodato provided a beautiful assist for Taya Gallizzi, who dunked two more points for Mengão, who grew into the game and fell back to just one point behind. In the final three minutes, the Pride of the Nation fought back and held the lead until the end of the quarter: 54-50.

4st Bedroom
In the final quarter, the match remained very even. Boca Juniors didn't allow the Rubro-Negro to open up a big lead and remained in the fight. Gui Deodato received a free kick and scored another three-pointer. Alexey swayed past the defense and scored two more points. The final minutes were electrifying! The Argentine team got back on the scoreboard, and with that, every shot became important. In the final seconds, Gallizi received a free kick under the backboard and scored two more points. And it was these points that practically sealed the Rubro-Negro victory by just one point: 70 to 69.

It is worth noting that, in the last two seconds, Boca had two free throws in their favor and ended up wasting one, thus guaranteeing the red-black team's debut victory in the BCLA.

Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Tuesday (17) to face the Toros de Chiriquí team, at 19:40 pm, again at the Tijuca Tênis Clube gym, for the second match of the BCLA group stage.

Starting Quintet
Alexey, Gui Deodato, Shaq Johnson, Lucas Siewert and Taya Gallizzi.
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.