After the Rio de Janeiro window of the BCLA, FlaBasquete turned its attention to the NBB and beat Mogi das Cruzes 81-75, this Thursday (22), at Maracanãzinho. In a very balanced duel from start to finish, the Pride of the Nation showed consistency in the last quarter and achieved another victory, maintaining its lead in the national competition. With a great performance, Negrete was the highlight of the match with 22 points scored. Kayo Gonçalves was also crucial with six three-pointers converted, equaling his own record in the tournament. He scored 18 points. 

Highlights

Negrete – 22 points;
Kayo Gonçalves – 18 points;
Gui Deodato – 13 points;
Jhonatan Luz – 10 points. 

1st Bedroom

The ball went up at Maracanãzinho and Mogi gained first possession, scoring the first two points of the game. With a converted free throw, Gueiros scored Flamengo's first point. On the second attempt, Gui Deodato converted a three-pointer, tying the score. The opponent, which has the best defense in the competition, made it as difficult as possible for the Flamengo team to shoot. And on offense, they had a better shooting percentage than Flamengo, regaining the lead. Cumming, doing a good job inside the paint, scored four consecutive points for the home team. But it wasn't enough to prevent the São Paulo team from closing the quarter with a 16-14 victory. 

2st Bedroom

On the court, Kaio Gonçalves opened the second quarter with a three-pointer from the corner. With two more three-pointers from Kaio, Flamengo not only took the lead but also opened up a four-point advantage. Throughout the period, three-pointers started falling frequently for both sides. As a result, the teams alternated in the lead. For the first time in the game, Jhonatan scored a three-pointer, putting Flamengo back in the lead. In the final minute, the game intensified, and the Pride of the Nation maintained its advantage, going into halftime with a 53-48 lead.

3st Bedroom

Upon returning for the third quarter, the teams took just over a minute to score. Mogi came back more focused and quickly regained the lead. Flamengo, on the other hand, committed many offensive errors, wasting important shots on the offensive end. Gui Deodato appeared at a crucial moment and hit a three-pointer. Soon after, Cummings penetrated the paint and scored two more points to take the lead again. The duel was very balanced, and the teams continued to alternate in the lead. In the final minutes, the Pride of the Nation managed to gain the advantage and closed the quarter at 62-56.

4st Bedroom

In the final quarter, the duel remained very even, and Mogi regained the lead. From the corner, Jhonatan Luz converted another three-pointer at the decisive moment. Then, it was Kayo Gonçalves' turn to score his fifth three-pointer of the game. With the three-pointers starting to go in again, Flamengo regained the lead and grew stronger in the final stretch. Negrete received the ball open and hit it from the perimeter to add another three points. The Argentine point guard stood out in the second half and tipped the balance in favor of Flamengo. In the final seconds, the Pride of the Nation moved the ball around to run down the clock. With his hands calibrated, Kayo Gonçalves sank his sixth three-pointer of the game and sealed the victory for Flamengo 81-75.

Next challenge

The Pride of the Nation will face São José next Saturday (24), at 19 pm, at Maracanãzinho, for the debut of the Super 8 Cup. To purchase your ticket, click here. 

Starting Quintet

Gueiro, Negrete, Gui Deodato, Cummings and Wesley.
Coach: Sergio Hernandez.