In the Clássico dos Milhões for the NBB, FlaBasquete came from behind to beat Vasco 84-78 on Thursday night (27), at Maracanãzinho. After the first two quarters falling well short, Orgulho da Nação came back with a different attitude after halftime and managed to defeat their rivals from Rio. With 22 points, Alexey was the highlight of the match, achieving a double-double with 12 assists.

Highlights
Alexey – 22 points and 12 assists;
Shaq Johnson – 15 points.

1st Bedroom
FlaBasquete's first two points of the match came from Ruan, who worked the ball well in the paint and scored on a layup. Kayo Gonçalves then scored the game's first three-pointer. The derby was evenly contested in the opening minutes, a close contest, with Vasco holding a slight lead. When they moved forward, the red-and-black team wasted many shots, allowing their opponent to quickly transition to attack. After a few minutes of sitting at five points, Lucas Siewert and Alexey converted two three-pointers for Mengão. Despite the red-and-black's comeback in the final seconds of the quarter, Vasco closed out the period with a 19-16 lead.

2st Bedroom
The start of the second quarter was marked by an intense battle for possession. Shaq Johnson received the ball on the perimeter and hit a three-pointer, narrowing the deficit somewhat. One positive for the red-and-black team was a slight improvement in shooting. Midway through the second quarter, Vasco's lead was just two points. With low free throw efficiency, the Red-and-Black team was wasting valuable points, as Vasco's defense stopped plays with numerous fouls. At a crucial moment, Alexey came up free and hit a three-pointer. With a well-underperforming first half, the Pride of the Nation went into halftime trailing 41-32. 

3st Bedroom
In the third quarter, FlaBasquete continued to make the same mistakes on offense, struggling to finish with points. Until Shaq Johnson received the ball with freedom and sank a three-pointer. He was also fouled and converted the bonus free throw. Then, it was Jordan Williams' turn to score from three. A crucial moment that helped the Pride of the Nation grow in the game and close the gap, reducing the deficit to just two points. And it didn't take long for Mengão to turn the score around. Shaq Johnson attempted a three-pointer again, and it went in. In the final minutes, the Mais Querido took off! The balls started falling again, and the red-and-black advantage grew. An excellent comeback quarter for the Red-and-Blacks, who demonstrated their resilience, closing the quarter with a 61-56 lead.

4st Bedroom
In the final quarter, the Pride of the Nation maintained its momentum. Alexey worked well in the paint and scored two points on a layup. Soon after, Gui Deodato dunked, and Jordan Williams added another three-pointer. On defense, the red-and-black team managed to contain Vasco's attacks, which were no longer offering much trouble. On an assist from Alexey, Ruan dunked, adding two more points for Fla. In the final minutes, the game became electrifying again, with Vasco closing in on the scoreboard. But Mengão made its quality prevail, scoring the points it needed to win 84-78. 

Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court on Saturday (29) to face Botafogo, at 16 pm, at the Oscar Zelaya gym, in another round of the NBB. 

Starting Quintet
Alexey, Shaq Johnson, Jordan Williams, Kayo Gonçalves and Ruan Miranda.
Coach: Sergio Hernandez.

THIS IS FLAMENGO! ⚫️#FlaBasquete pic.twitter.com/h0xonSRVAi

— Time Flamengo (@TimeFlamengo) March 28, 2025