Back in the NBB, FlaBasquete sought a reaction and beat Fortaleza BC 77-74 on Thursday night (21), at Maracanãzinho. Scott Machado, for the red-black side, was the highlight with 17 points. Orgulho da Nação will face Unifacisa on Saturday (23), again in Rio de Janeiro.

Highlights
Scott Machado – 17 points;
Franco Balbi – 14 points;
Didi – 10 points;
Loku Cuello – 10 points.

1st Bedroom
FlaBasquete's first two points of the match came from Didi, who received the ball in the paint and converted. Early in the game, both defenses were playing well, and scoring was low. Filipovity hit two free throws, giving the red-and-black team the lead. On the other hand, Fortaleza was scoring points on offense, keeping the match even. Didi, on the counterattack, sent a pass to Scott Machado, who scored two more. Cuello, from the dead zone, scored the Mais Querido's first three-pointer. In a quarter well down, the Orgulho da Nação (Nation's Pride) fell behind by a ten-point margin: 23 to 13.

2st Bedroom
At the start of the second quarter, the Ceará team remained ten points behind. FlaBasquete struggled to find their footing and made some offensive mistakes. Filipovity, from the perimeter, hit a three-pointer to close the gap slightly. Gui Deodato assisted Maique with a two-point layup. Balbi then slammed in two opponents and converted a three-pointer. Kayo Gonçalves converted two free throws to narrow the gap even further. A great comeback from Gustavinho's team! The Pride of the Nation went into halftime trailing just three points: 43-40.

3st Bedroom
After halftime, Rubro-Negro continued to push for the lead, but Fortaleza continued to sell out and play hardball. Scott Machado scored two points, was fouled, and made the bonus free throw. Scott then converted another free throw, helping the Mais Querido turn the score around. Didi drove into the paint, scored two, and was fouled. He also made the free throw. In the final seconds, Fortaleza took the lead again: 56-54.

4st Bedroom
In the final quarter, the match remained evenly matched. Filipovity was fouled just as he was about to shoot for a three-pointer. He went to the free throw line and converted. In a key moment, Scott Machado hit a three-pointer that gave Flamengo a four-point lead. The number 3 tipped the balance in Mengão's favor in the decisive period. In the final seconds, Didi and Balbi each hit two free throws, sealing the Pride of the Nation's hard-fought victory, 77-74.  

Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court this Saturday (23) to face Unifacisa, at 17 pm, at Maracanãzinho, in another round of the NBB.

Starting Quintet
Franco Balbi, Didi, Loku Cuello, Marko Filipovity and Maique.
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.