In a thrilling game in the debut of the Basketball Champions League Americas, FlaBasquete beat Hebraica Macabi, in overtime, by 92 to 87, on Wednesday night (13), at Maracanãzinho. For the fourth time in a row, Gabriel Jaú was the highlight of the match, reaching a double-double with 27 points and 10 rebounds.

Highlights
Gabriel Jaú – 27 points and 10 rebounds;
Gui Deodato – 21 points;
Scott Machado – 15 points and 11 rebounds.

1st Bedroom
The Pride of the Nation's first two points of the match came from Balbi. Filipovity and Jaú then each scored a three-pointer. The game started off fairly evenly, with the teams trading points and keeping the score tied. On the court, Gui Deodato received the ball in the dead zone and converted for a three-pointer when Flamengo was six points down. Then, Mengão's number 1 hit another three-pointer to level the score. In the final seconds, Flamengo managed to take the lead and closed the quarter with a 25-22 lead.

2st Bedroom
In the second period, the match remained fairly even. Hebraica Macabi fought back and took the lead. On the other hand, the red-and-black team made some offensive mistakes and wasted points. Maique received an open ball, shot a three-pointer, and the ball fell. Hungarian Filipovity was fouled on the perimeter and went for three free throws, converting them all. In the final minutes, the Uruguayan team once again opened up a good lead, going into halftime with a 13-point lead: 53-40.

3st Bedroom
In the third quarter, Orgulho da Nação attempted a comeback with a three-pointer from Gui Deodato, followed by a follow-up from Jaú. Macabi, for its part, continued to capitalize on its offensive opportunities to score. In the second half, Mengão fought back and reduced the deficit. Scott Machado, with two consecutive three-pointers, brought the red-and-black team closer to the scoreboard. The Nação rallied behind the team and made a splash at Maracanãzinho. One highlight was the improved red-and-black defense, which began to make Macabi's offensive efforts much more difficult. FlaBasquete ended the quarter just one point behind: 69-68.

4st Bedroom
In the final period, after a little over two minutes without either team scoring, the red-and-black team worked the ball well on offense, and Cuello converted a three-pointer. But Macabi quickly responded, also scoring from the perimeter. The game became more exciting, as it was contested point-by-point. It's worth highlighting the grit of the red-and-black players, who fought for every ball. In the final seconds, Gui Deodato was fouled in the paint and converted both free throws, tying the score with just seven seconds remaining. With the score tied at 79-79, the match went into overtime.

In the final five minutes, the score remained tied until Jaú converted two free throws, giving the Pride of the Nation the lead. The game remained very close until the final seconds, until Gui Deodato stole the ball and provided a beautiful assist for Jaú to score the two points. To seal the red-and-black victory, Gui Deodato scored on a platter, giving Mengão the victory in their BCLA debut: 92-87.  

Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Friday (15) to face Boca Juniors, at 21:30 pm, at Maracanãzinho, in the second round of the Basketball Champions League Americas.

Starting Quintet
Franco Balbi, Didi, Gabriel Jaú, Marko Filipovity and Maique.
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.