In another NBB match, FlaBasquete beat Pinheiros 70-66 on Tuesday night (10), at the Tijuca Tênis Clube gymnasium. Cuello was the standout with 16 points in the game, which became exciting in the final minutes. Now, the Pride of the Nation turns its attention to the Basketball Champions League Americas.

Highlights
Cuello - 16 points;
Hettsheimeir - 13 points;
Olivinha - 10 points.

The game
The match started evenly, with a fierce battle for possession. FlaBasquete's first two points came after an individual play by Hettsheimeir, who won the battle with his body and dunked it. Pinheiros, for their part, also showed they were eager to play and even took the lead. Throughout the first quarter, the teams alternated possession. Hettsheimeir, once again, showed great play and hit a three-pointer for Mengão. In the final minutes, the red-and-black team managed to find their footing and opened up a small lead: 16-11.

On the court, Ricardo Fischer slammed into the São Paulo defense and hit a beautiful three-pointer to start the second quarter strong. Coach Gustavinho rotated the team and brought another five players into the game to maintain the same intensity. Cuello and Fischer hit two more three-pointers for Flamengo, increasing their lead. In the final minutes, Pinheiros fought back and closed the gap. After a timeout, Rafa Mineiro responded with a three-pointer, halting the São Paulo team's comeback. Mengão went into halftime ahead: 36-30.

In the third quarter, Cuello made a good play in the paint and scored two more. Hettsheimeir then shot for a three, and the ball went in. Just as Pinheiros closed the gap to two, Gui Deodato hit two consecutive three-pointers and kept the São Paulo team in front. Luke Martinez didn't let up either, adding another three points. The match remained very even, and with just nine seconds remaining in the quarter, Pinheiros took the lead. But Flamengo quickly reacted and, with two free throws converted by Vildoza, managed to finish one point ahead: 56-55.

Early in the fourth quarter, Olivinha appeared to convert four consecutive points, proving crucial for the red-and-black team. The game grew in excitement, with the points being fought for play after play. Any mistake was fatal! With just over four minutes remaining, Pinheiros took the lead. Cuello, in the dead zone, tried for a three-pointer, but the ball bounced and fell! With two minutes remaining, the São Paulo team held a one-point lead. With grit, Cuello feinted past the defense and hit a crucial three-pointer that virtually sealed the victory for the red-and-black team. It was a thrilling game in which the power of the Pride of the Nation prevailed at home: 70-66.

Next appointment
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Friday (13) to face Peñarol, at 19 pm, at the Tijuca TC gym. The clash is valid for the second window of Group C of the qualifying phase of the Basketball Champions League Americas.

Starting Quintet
Penka Aguirre, Luke Martinez, Cuello, Gabriel Jaú and Hettsheimeir.
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.

TRIUMPH GOOD FOR DOGS ?✅

On action night with @osindefesos, #FlaBasquete is decisive in the end and defeats Pinheiros 70-66 in the NBB. Now the focus is on the Rio de Janeiro window of the Champions League Americas. Let's go, Flamengo!#BRBNation #RedBlackDNA pic.twitter.com/Qb7x79TBcC

— Time Flamengo (@TimeFlamengo) January 11, 2023