Just like the two matches in Rio de Janeiro, tonight's game at the Ginásio Lineu Moura was no different. With a full house—and several Flamengo fans in attendance—Flamengo and São José fought for every point, justifying their place in the quarterfinals of the competition.

Despite the home team's determination, the red-and-black team didn't seem willing to lose the game, and so they did. Tactically organized and playing beautiful basketball, Flamengo prevailed on the court and closed out the third game of the quarterfinals series against the São Paulo team 86-68. 

The next game between the two teams takes place this Thursday (30.04), also in São José dos Campos. If they win the match again, Flamengo will automatically qualify for the semifinals of the Novo Basquete Brasil 7 (NBB), and will go on to seek their fourth championship.

The red-and-black team started the match well. With a beautiful three-point shot, Marquinhos opened the scoring for Orgulho da Nação, but that didn't mean FlaBasquete would have an easy match. José Neto's men soon saw the home team level the score, which remained tied until the final minutes of the quarter, when "Mais Querido" put together a sequence of attacks from Benite and Laprovittola, opening up a gap on the scoreboard. The four-point lead for the red-and-black team widened after a beautiful three-point shot from Benite on the other end of the court with just six thousandths of a second remaining, closing the period at 25-18.

The second quarter arrived, and the final point from the Orgulho da Nação's number eight seemed to have truly impacted the São José team's mentality, which slowed down. FlaBasquete quickly opened up an even greater lead on the scoreboard, thrilling the red-and-black fans in attendance. Marquinhos secured the rebounds and three-pointers; Benite provided the upper hand with excellent shooting; while Flamengo's centers, Meyinsse and Felício, took turns, ensuring strong defense. The result was a strong quarter for Orgulho da Nação: 22-11.

Knowing that their first-half performance wasn't as expected, São José came out swinging at the start of the third period looking to close the gap, and immediately managed to convert a two-point shot and a foul. However, FlaBasquete didn't let up. With what is probably their main characteristic—rotation, the Rubro-Negro continued to play very well, with an inspired Olivinha attacking and defending confidently. In a very even quarter, the home team emerged victorious by just two points, but the sixteen-point margin kept Flamengo in the lead.

The final period served to demonstrate the confidence and maturity of the Pride of the Nation team. Once again with a much-changed lineup, the Rubro-Negro took to the court to maintain their lead and rest some players for the fourth game of the series between Flamengo and São José, which takes place this Thursday. The introduction of point guard Gegê helped set the team's pace, his performance culminating in a perfect assist for a beautiful alley-oop by Felício. With a solid defense and excellent ball movement, Flamengo took a two-all lead in the series against the São Paulo team, closing the game 86-68.

1st Quarter: 25 to 18

2st Quarter: 22 to 11

3st Quarter: 20 to 22

4st Quarter: 19 to 17

Final Score: 86 to 68

Basket: Little Olive (21)

Assistance: Nicolas Laprovittola (6)

Rebounds: Marquinhos (7)