FlaBasquete continues its winning streak in the New Basketball Brazil (NBB). On Sunday morning (6), the Pride of the Nation defeated Paulistano 70-63, at Maracanãzinho. The Pride of the Nation increased its production in the third quarter, gained the advantage on the scoreboard and achieved its 24th victory in the national competition, remaining in second place in the standings. Jordan Williams was the highlight for the red-black team with 16 points scored. 

Highlights
Jordan Williams – 16 points;
Alexey – 13 points;
Gui Deodato – 8 points. 

1st Bedroom
FlaBasquete started the match well with a three-pointer from Jordan Williams. The opening moments of the game were balanced. The red-and-black team led the score, but by a small margin. In the second half, Paulistano reacted and sought a comeback. In a good collective play, Ruan passed to Alexey, who served Jordan Williams for a two-point layup. Shaq Johnson converted two free throws in the final seconds to cut the deficit to just one point: 17-16. 

2st Bedroom 
With two point guards on the court, Alexey and Balbi, the Pride of the Nation regained the lead in the opening seconds of the quarter. However, Paulistano soon regained the lead. The red-and-black team made some crucial errors on offense and wasted important points. In a quick play, Jordan Williams served Gui Deodato, who scored two more points for Mengão. The game remained even until the final seconds of the quarter, with Paulistano remaining ahead 39-35. 

3st Bedroom
After halftime, FlaBasquete took the lead with a three-pointer from Kayo Gonçalves. With the game evenly matched, the teams alternated the lead. Jordan Williams received the ball in the dead zone and converted for a three-pointer. Alexey then hit two consecutive three-pointers to put Mengão back in the lead. The red-and-black team thrived at a crucial moment in the match and managed the comeback. The third quarter ended with Mengão leading 56-52. 

4st Bedroom
In the final quarter, the Pride of the Nation remained focused on the game and opened up a six-point lead early on. The highlight was the red-and-black defense, which was locked in, preventing Paulistano from advancing. Balbi made a beautiful individual play, drove into the paint, and scored two more points on a layup. In the final stretch, Paulistano closed the gap again and closed the gap. However, the red-and-blacks used their experience to control the game. Gui Deodato received an open ball in the paint and went for the dunk. Then, the magician Balbi converted two free throws that sealed the 70-63 victory for Mengão.

Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court on Tuesday (8) to face Brasília, at 20:30 pm, at the Nilson Nelson gym, in another NBB commitment.

Starting Quintet
Alexey, Shaq Johnson, Jordan Williams, Kayo Gonçalves and Ruan Miranda.