Fla feels absences against Pinheiros
Olivinha achieves second double-double in a row, with 10 points and 11 rebounds
By Communication - Official Club Website - in
Flamengo's fourth game in this season of the New Basketball Brazil (NBB) was a great basketball classic, pitting the reigning champion against NBA point guard Leandrinho's new team in Brazil, Pinheiros. Without Alef, Chupeta, Benite, Marcelinho, Marquinhos and Fernando Stafleu, the Mais Querido took to the court with a quintet formed by Laprovittola, Gegê, Olivinha, Shilton and Meyinsse, and lost to Pinheiros 74 to 62, this Saturday (23.11), at Poliesportivo H. Villaboim, in São Paulo. The highlights for Rubro-Negro were Laprovittola, with 18 points and nine assists, and Olivinha, who achieved his second double-double in a row, with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
The game started evenly until the Gávea team stopped at 12 points. Pinheiros opened up a 12-point lead, and the quarter ended at 24-14. In the second quarter, the deficit reached 16 points in favor of the São Paulo team, but the Mais Querido showed impressive comeback power and closed the gap, this time with the help of Laprovittola, who thrived in the duel, scoring seven points and dishing out five assists. The quarter ended at 35-29.
"Our team lost concentration and they opened up an advantage, but then we concentrated again and managed to close the gap," said Olivinha, heading out for half-time.
In the penultimate quarter, José Neto's team only scored fifteen points. With strong defense, Pinheiros dominated the period and closed the period at 23-15. In the final quarter, Flamengo staged a comeback after two three-pointers from Felício and Gegê. However, the team was unable to take the lead, and severely depleted, they lost their 100% record.