On Sunday morning (1), Flamengo beat Paulistano 80-73, in the quarterfinals of the New Basketball Brazil (NBB), at the Antonio Prado Jr gymnasium, in São Paulo. As a positive result, Mais Querido opens 2-0 in the series and needs only one more victory to advance to the semifinals.

 

The match started with very strong marking and difficulties for Mais Querido, but, as soon as the team found the offensive rhythm and the shots started falling, the red-black athletes did not look back. Flamengo will have the first chance to close the series next Tuesday (3), at 21 pm, still in São Paulo.

 

Rafael Mineiro led Flamengo in scoring with 16 points, contributing four of the team's 17 three-pointers. Luke Martinez, with 15 points, hit five three-pointers, including an impressive shot from the other end of the court. 

 

The match began with Paulistano dominating, pressing hard and opening up a six-point lead. Dar Tucker provided the first response for the red-and-black team. Soon after, the team's trademark volume of three-pointers began to emerge. Dar Tucker and Mineiro hit Mengão's first three-pointers. In the final stretch of the quarter, the teams deployed their deepest formations: Flamengo had Olivinha, Faverani, and Mineiro in the five. Balbi and Olivinha maintained the team's strong long ball performance. On the final possession of the quarter, Balbi took a shot from midcourt, directly from the right, and hit a beautiful shot to put Flamengo ahead. The first half ended 21-18 for Flamengo, which had 55% shooting from the perimeter.

 

While the first quarter was characterized by strong defense and difficulty scoring, the Mais Querido found its offensive rhythm in the second quarter. The three-pointers continued to fall from Faverani, Luke, and Mineiro. Luke made a good pass to Faverani inside, and the Flamengo center finished the play with a beautiful dunk, pinning the opposing defender. Yago hit an acrobatic layup, but after the basket, the Flamengo point guard felt an ankle injury and went to the locker room. To the Nation's peace of mind, the Little Monster returned to the court late in the second quarter. The game went into halftime with Flamengo leading 48-41.

Mineiro opened the third quarter with another three-pointer, but the star of Flamengo's team was Luke Martinez. The Red-Black sniper hit an incredible four three-pointers in the period, including a beautiful shot from the other end of the court as the clock expired. The third quarter ended 66-58 in favor of Flamengo.

 

The fourth quarter began as the game always did, with two three-pointers from Mais Querido. This time, it was scored by Olivinha, the "God of Race." Following the fourth quarter, Flamengo pressed its advantage and controlled the game. In the final stretch, Paulistano sought a comeback, but the red-and-black defense made the necessary plays and sealed the match. Two free throws by Yago gave the final score: 80-73 for Flamengo.

 

 

The next match in the series against Paulistano, in the NBB quarterfinals, will be on Tuesday (3), at 9 pm, away from home. FlaTV+ will broadcast live, with images. The signal is open until May 31st – click here and enjoy!

 

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 Committee of Clubs (CBC).