Despite the players' determination and the support of the Flamengo fans, Flamengo was defeated in the semifinals of the Liga das Américas and is out of the competition's final. The current champion of the tournament, the Mais Querido, will play for third place with Peñarol this Sunday (15.03), at Maracanãzinho.

Flamengo and Pioneros took the court playing with the spirit worthy of a continental semifinal. The Mexican team took the lead, scored the first basket, and even took a 6-2 lead, but Flamengo was overwhelming. With the red-and-black nation putting on a show in the stands, they took the lead and, thanks to an inspired Marquinhos, finished the first half with a 23-14 lead. 

In the second half, the visitors fought back. Pioneros surged forward and pushed for a result. With 3-pointers from Soriano and Clemente, they pulled even closer and even came from behind. But then the team's grit and the fans' voices returned. Laprovittola put Flamengo just one point behind Pioneros, and Marquinhos put Flamengo back in front with just five seconds remaining. At halftime, Flamengo led 5-42.

The third quarter also started off tight. Pioneros briefly led again, but never by more than two points. Meyinsse leveled the score with six minutes remaining, and shortly after, Marquinhos converted a three-pointer. With less than four minutes remaining, Pioneros took the lead again. The period ended with the Mexicans leading 2-6.

With the team trailing in the final quarter, the fans once again demonstrated their strength. Marcelinho entered the game early and scored two points on free throws. Justin Keenan was decisive for the Pioneros, scoring on several three-pointers. Even trailing, Flamengo consistently played with determination. Meyinsse stepped up in the fourth quarter and scored important points, preventing the Pioneros from taking a chance. With five minutes left on the clock, Herrmann converted a three-pointer that set the Maracanãzinho on fire. And it was another Argentine who turned the game around: With the fans chanting deafeningly, Nico converted two free throws and put Flamengo in the lead. Even so, the Pioneros tied the game again and sent the game into overtime.

Early in the second half, Flamengo took the lead with a Benite free throw. Pioneros turned the tables on the same play, but Meyinsse soon put the Pride of the Nation back in front. The lead in overtime continued to shift sides. With three seconds remaining, Pioneros converted two free throws and took the lead. Flamengo attempted a final play but couldn't take the lead, which ended 3-82 in favor of the Mexicans. The quest for a second championship was postponed until the next LDA.

1st quarter: Flamengo 23 x 14 Pioneros

2st quarter: Flamengo 19 x 26 Pioneros

3st quarter: Flamengo 16 x 20 Pioneros

4st quarter: Flamengo 16 x 14 Pioneros

5th quarter (extra time): Flamengo 7 x 8 Pioneros 

Final score: Flamengo 81 x 82 Pioneros