Flamengo's basketball team knew it would need to replicate the strong technical and tactical performance, as well as the determination shown in its opening game against Capitanes de Arecibo, if it wanted to beat Halcones Rojos on Tuesday night. However, what was seen were only glimpses of the great performance from the first round, and the red-and-black team ended up losing its second match in the Liga de las Américas, 76-73. Despite the loss, the game's standout performer was winger Jefferson, who scored 28 points.

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The result forces Mengão to win its final game, on Wednesday night against the home team, Espartanos de Margarita, to maintain any chance of qualifying. Also on Tuesday, Espartanos, who beat Halcones in their debut, face Capitanes, who defeated Flamengo in the first round. Only after this match will it be possible to analyze what result Mengão needs to secure a spot in the Final Four.

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Flamengo's start to the game was encouraging. With a strong attack, the red-and-black team opened up a five-point lead over the Mexicans. However, while the team's offensive system resembled the one that won the team their second national and South American League titles in 2009, the defense left something to be desired. Lacking their traditional edge, Mengão allowed Halcones to turn the score around and close the first period ahead: 26-23.

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If the comeback at the end of the first quarter left Flamengo and its fans worried, the start of the second quarter was another cold shower for the red-and-blacks. The team conceded offensive rebounds, rushed shots, and wasted counterattacks... And the Mexican team, which had nothing to do with it, took advantage to increase its lead and end the first half with a 41-32 lead.

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The result, however, didn't dampen coach Paulo Chupeta's composure. He spoke with his team in the locker room, corrected the mistakes made in the first twenty minutes of the game, and saw results early in the third quarter. The team took the court with a completely different attitude. Defending strongly, attacking quickly, and with a lot of energy, the team quickly took the lead: 46-44, thanks to a great performance by forward Jefferson.

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Despite the well-calibrated hand of number 18, which was the name of the game, Flamengo failed to capitalize on the opportunity to gain momentum and open up a lead. Soon after taking the lead, the team returned to making the same mistakes of the first half. Once again, the Mexicans, who were also not having such an inspired night but made fewer mistakes than the red-and-blacks, made no mistake and regained the lead.

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As a result, the Gávea team entered the final period trailing 56-51. Jefferson's stellar performance, however, quickly reduced the deficit. With two three-pointers, one from number 18 and another from Duda, Flamengo's second-highest scorer in the game, the team turned the score around and took a one-point lead: 57-56. The game then became thrilling, with both teams alternating in the lead, until, with five minutes remaining, Halcones opened up a five-point lead. They later managed to cut the lead, but the Mexican team ultimately prevailed: 76-73.