Fla lets the second title slip away and Brasilia takes the title
Rubro-Negros took the lead, but the team from the federal capital came out on top: 96 to 86
By Media Relations - inFlamengo was defeated by Uniceub Brasília 96-86 (53-44) in the final of the South American Basketball League, in a match played at the HSBC Arena in Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro. The team from the federal capital won the title for the first time. The top scorer of the match was Marcelinho, the red-and-black team's forward, with 28 points.
\Despite the tight match, Flamengo managed to close the first quarter with a nine-point lead. Leading Brasília practically the entire time, Flamengo was unable to open up a gap until two minutes remained. Then, Marcelinho scored nine straight points, and point guard Duda capped it off with a stunning three-pointer on the final play of the first ten minutes. A 33-24 victory.
\With good long-range shooting, especially from Guilherme Giovannoni, who hit five of seven three-point attempts, Brasília tied the score at 35 and quickly turned the score around. The team from the federal capital capitalized on Flamengo's defensive and defensive lapses, continued to outperform on the court, and jumped to a ten-point lead, ending the first half 53-44.
\Encouraged by the fans, Flamengo returned with Guto, who replaced Duda, and immediately scored a three-pointer, but Arthur struck back at Uniceub's attack. The deficit quickly dropped to two points with consecutive attacks from Guto and Marcelinho, who was substituted with four fouls. Flamengo regained the lead with two free throws from Atila (58-56), but Brasília was chasing the ball for most of the half. Flamengo's efforts were rewarded with another basket in the second half of the third quarter, bringing the deficit to two points (73-71).
\The tie early in the final ten minutes gave the impression that Flamengo would gain control of the match, but Brasília continued to play better and opened the scoring again with another three-pointer from Guilherme (84-75). The team from the federal capital managed the advantage to close the game at 86-76 and win the South American League title for the first time.
\Brasília's top scorer alongside Guilherme, with 22 points, point guard Alex highlighted the team's calmness in seeking the title playing in front of the red-black fans.
\"We kept our cool, as it's very difficult to face Flamengo at home, given the strength of their fans. We didn't let the opponent open up and managed to stay calm and get the win," said Guilherme.
\Meanwhile, the red-black coach, Paulo Chupeta, even though shaken by the defeat, was looking for explanations for the title lost at home.
\"For now, nothing is going through my head. I'd rather respond when I'm calmer. Any defeat defending Flamengo, regardless of whether it's worth a title or not, is very sad. These fans are a nation and we like to bring them joy, but it wasn't possible," lamented the coach.
\After the team awards were presented, the best players in the South American League were also recognized. Guilherme, who scored 22 points in the final, was the championship's best player and also won the award for best rebounder (47). Rubro-Negro's Marcelinho won the award for top scorer (177 points) and top three-point scorer (30). The winner in assists was Nezinho (Brasília), with 37.
\Flamengo – Marcelinho (28), Fred (2), Duda (3), Teichmann (12), Babby (11) – Entered – Helio (9), Guto (3), Wagner (3), Jefferson (11), Atila (4)
\Brasilia – Arthur (10), Alex (16), Guilherme (22), Nezinho (22), Lucas Tisher (3). Entered – Fabio (3), Rossi (0), Bruno Vieira (0), Cipriano (15), Alirio (5)