In a match decided in the last seconds, FlaBasquete, already qualified, loses to Boca Jrs

The red-black team secured its place in the final stage of the BCLA with last Saturday's victory over Universidad de Concepción

By Isabela Abirached - in 30/01/2022 às 21:13

Current champion and already qualified for the final stage of the competition, FlaBasquete entered the court on Sunday night (30) for a heavy shirt clash against Boca Juniors, in Buenos Aires. In a very disputed duel and decided in the last seconds, the red-black team ended up losing by 71 to 68.

In the first window of the tournament, Rubro-Negro beat the Argentine team 88 to 66, at Maracanãzinho. With the campaign so far, after the victory over Universidad de Concepción last Saturday (29), Mais Querido had already guaranteed a place in the final phase of the competition.

The game

Flamengo started the match leading the scoreboard in Buenos Aires, opening a four-point lead, but after halfway through the first quarter, the Argentines tied the match (10-10) and even turned the score around (14-12). In the final moments, the Rubro-Negro returned to the lead and closed the period with a one-point advantage (14-15).

The second quarter began with a three-pointer from Mengão. Focused on the game, the Pride of the Nation regained control of the game. Attentive and dedicated on defense and with better aim on offense, the red-and-blacks extended their lead to nine points (19-28). However, following a similar pattern to the first quarter, the Argentine team tightened its defense and managed to find space in Flamengo's paint, returning to a one-point lead two minutes before halftime. With their opponent hot on their heels until the final second, the teams went into the locker room with Mengão up 35-34.

In the third quarter, Boca found offensive variations to get their hands on three-pointers. With shots from outside the perimeter, the Argentines opened up their biggest lead of the match (46-39). The match continued with their opponent gaining confidence and high field goal percentage, and Flamengo's shots stopped falling. With three minutes remaining in the final quarter, the red-and-blacks began to rally. With a three-pointer from Yago and three beautiful baskets from Balbi, Faverani, and Robinson, the Mais Querido (Most Beloved) grew in the game and went into the final ten minutes five points behind Boca: 55-50.

With aggressive offensive rebounding and strong performances from Faverani and Rafael Mineiro, Flamengo continued its quest for a comeback, but still failed to reach its ideal scoring percentage. With a strong drive, the team was undeterred by the Orange's stubbornness and fought hard until the end for the victory. With just over a minute remaining, two free throws made by Brandon Robinson put Flamengo within one possession of a 66-64 tie. With 11 seconds remaining, the score was 69-66 for Boca Juniors. On a two-point attempt, Balbi was fouled, went to the free throw line and converted both shots: 69 to 68. With 2.6 seconds remaining, it was Yago's turn to be fouled, this time on a three-point attempt, with the scoreboard showing 71 to 68. On the free throws, the point guard ended up not converting the first one and, on the attempt to intentionally miss for the rebound, the play did not work.

The game ends in Buenos Aires. In a hard-fought match, Flamengo is defeated by Boca Juniors 71-68.

The team's next match will be on Thursday (3), against Pato Basquete, for the NBB. #FlaBasquete #BRBNation #UntilTheEnd

?: @BCLAmericas pic.twitter.com/EFnmXGKT0j
— Time Flamengo (@TimeFlamengo) January 31, 2022

next challenges

The third and final bubble before the final phase takes place in March, on the 11th and 12th, in Concepción, Chile, where Flamengo, Boca Juniors and UdeC will face each other again.

For the New Basketball Brazil (NBB), the team returns to the court next Thursday (3), for the duel against Pato Basquete, at the opponent's home.

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).