Qualified! In a match to test the hearts of the red-and-blacks, FlaBasquete defeated Paulistano 71-65 and advances to the Copa Super 8 semifinals. Now, Mengão faces São Paulo for a spot in the final of the tournament, of which they are two-time champions.

Tickets to support FlaBasquete in home games are always on sale at flamengo.superingresso.com.br - keep an eye out and secure your spot in the next matches!

Highlights

Points – Vildoza (26), Hettsheimeir (15), Gabriel Jaú (8)

Rebounds – Gabriel Jaú (10), Vildoza (8), Hettsheimeir (7)

Assists – Vildoza (5), Deodato (2), Martinez (1)

The game

It was the opponent who opened the scoring, but the answer came soon after, with a beautiful triple basket by Gui Deodato. Defensively, Paulistano put together a series of baskets and opened up a lead, which Flamengo began to chip away at after a beautiful block by Rafael Mineiro: the red-and-black defense became more alert, the team's shooting efficiency improved, and the red-and-black team regained the lead (10-9). Alternating strong moments throughout the match, the teams played a balanced game. Hettsheimeir came on with calibrated accuracy and scored eight points for Mais Querido in the period, which ended 18-19.

Until the final moments of the second quarter, the period was marked by poor offensive performance from both teams. A free throw by Hett put the Red-Blacks back in front, and then a perimeter shot by Vildoza lifted the crowd in the stands less than two minutes before halftime. Mengão went into the locker room leading 33-31.

The third quarter wasn't a good one for the Red-Blacks. The team's first basket came after six minutes of play – but Paulistano also lacked accuracy and had only accumulated five points in the quarter. A beautiful play by Luke Martinez, who hit a shot from the perimeter after a crucial steal, tied the score (42-42) and lifted the spirits of the nation in Tijuca with 1:15 remaining in the quarter, which ended with the score at 44-46.

The final quarter was a close battle. With three minutes remaining, Vildoza scored on a drive, giving Flamengo a four-point lead (64-60). The Argentine, Flamengo's leading scorer, was instrumental in the victory with decisive shots in the final seconds. As the clock ticked down, the scoreboard announced Flamengo's victory: 71-65.

Starting Quintet

Vildoza, Gui Deodato, Loku Cuello, Olivinha and Rafael Mineiro

Coach: Gustavo De Conti

Next appointment

On Wednesday (25), again at Tijuca Tênis Clube, the ball goes up at 21:10 pm for the game valid for the semifinal of the tournament, against São Paulo. ticket sales starts this Monday (23), at 14 pm!

The team will only return to the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) competition against Fortaleza, on January 31st, Tuesday, at 01 pm, at the opponent's home.