In game 2 of the NBB semifinals, FlaBasquete beat Paulistano 81-75 this Wednesday (12), at the Maracanãzinho gymnasium. The highlight of the match was Marquinhos with 21 points. With the result, Orgulho da Nação will be able to secure a place in the final in case of victory in the third game, scheduled for next Saturday.

The game
Paulistano started the first quarter better, opening up a six-point lead. The red-and-black team quickly responded with two points from Olivinha and three from Jhonatan Luz. Lucas Martinez entered the court and immediately hit a shot from outside the perimeter. Gradually, Flamengo began to settle into their game and managed to equalize the score. In a very even first quarter, the São Paulo team finished with the lead: 26-22.

Lucas Martinez, on a solo play, penetrated the paint and scored two more early in the second period. The Mexican then hit his second three-pointer of the game. Yago, with his first three-pointer, tied the game for Mengão. In the final minutes, the match became a fierce battle for possession. Showing a powerful comeback, the Pride of the Nation turned the score around and went into halftime ahead: 42-39.

In the third quarter, Paulistano tied the score and made the game thrilling. Marquinhos, with his usual skill, hit a three-pointer and put Flamengo back in front. The match remained evenly matched, with both teams exchanging points on offense. Having recovered from the injury suffered in the first half, Yago returned to the court and played a decisive role in several plays for Flamengo's attack. Flamengo remained ahead by three points: 51-48.

In the final quarter, the game gained intensity, with the red-and-black team managing to quickly transition from defense to offense. In the decisive moment of the game, Marquinhos took charge and made the difference, converting important balls. In the final stretch, the Pride of the Nation maintained a strong pace on offense and maintained defensive consistency, leaving the court with another victory: 81-75.

With this result, FlaBasquete secured its second victory in two games in the best-of-five playoff series. A win in the third game will secure a spot in the championship finals.

Highlights
Marquinhos – 21 points;
Yago – 18 points;
Hettsheimeir – 16 points and 7 rebounds;
Lucas Martinez – 14 points.

Next appointment
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Saturday (15) to face Paulistano again, at 15:15 pm, at Maracanãzinho, for game 3 of the NBB semifinals.

Starting Quintet
Yago, Jhonatan Luz, Marquinhos, Olivinha and Rafael Mineiro.

 
The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo rely on resources from their sponsors – BRB, MOSS, TIM, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and State Incentive Law/State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure and Youth (Seelje) of Rio de Janeiro, in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC).