Photo: Helena Petry/CRF

In the second game in Rio Grande do Sul in less than five days, FlaBasquete faced União Corinthians in the NBB this Saturday (18). After beating Caxias do Sul, this time Orgulho da Nação was beaten by União Corinthians by just one point: 78 to 77

The first quarter was dominated by the opponent, and the Mais Querido went into halftime trailing. Coming out of the locker room, the Rubro-Negro relied on an inspired Gabriel Jaú to turn things around. The final half was incredibly close, with numerous lead changes. The final minute of the game saw three turnovers, and the home team sealed the lead with 11 seconds remaining.

Highlights

Cuello - 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
Gabriel Jaú - 16 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists
Fischer - 10 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists

The game

The match started evenly. Flamengo had to face strong counterattacks from their opponents, and the first quarter was tight for most of the match. The Pride of the Nation relied on Rafa Mineiro's dominance on the rebounds—he had three in the first quarter—to prevent União Corinthians from taking the lead. The home team built a lead and won the half 26-15.

The second quarter saw even more competition between the teams. Flamengo managed to improve its presence on the court and relied on seven points from Cuello to win the half. Gabriel Jaú was another key player: with six points and six rebounds, the youngster changed the game for Flamengo. Halftime arrived with the scoreboard showing 46-36 for the home team, but their performance in this quarter was enough to inspire confidence in a comeback.

The turnaround came after the break. The Pride of the Nation began to dominate the game, hitting four three-pointers, and knowing how to defend. The home team only made 10 of their 54 attempted points in the half, while Flamengo had over 60% success. The match went into the final period with the score 58-56 for the Most Beloved.

Before the five-minute mark of the final period, Hettsheimeir and Fischer hit consecutive long-range baskets. The two teams played evenly, and the score was tied with about a minute remaining. 

The final stretch was pure drama. With just 50 seconds remaining and the home team's two-point lead, Loku Cuello hit a beautiful three-pointer. União Corinthians took the lead soon after, but the Argentine again played a key role, drawing a foul and converting two free throws with 27 seconds remaining. 

After three turnovers with less than a minute remaining, the Rio Grande do Sul club took the victory with a basket 11 seconds from the final whistle. FlaBasquete even tried a game-winning play, but Hettsheimeir found the rim.

Starting Quintet

Gui Deodato, Gabriel Jaú, Olivinha, Vildoza and Cuello
Tech.: Gustavo De Conti

Next appointment

FlaBasquete returns to the NBB on March 01st, against Minas Gerais, at home. FlaTV will be broadcasting the match live with images - click here, subscribe to Flamengo's official channel and don't miss it!