Victory with a century-old score! On Thursday night (23), Flamengo defeated Fortaleza 102-73 at Maracanãzinho, and continues with a 100% success rate in the New Basketball Brazil. With the game balanced in the first two quarters, the Pride of the Nation increased its production in the second half and had no difficulty in achieving its third consecutive victory in the competition. Dee Bost was the highlight of the match with 22 points. 

Now, the Red-Blacks will have a sequence of away games, facing São José, Corinthians, Mogi das Cruzes, and Osasco. Their next match in Rio de Janeiro will be on November 9th against Pato Basquete. 

Highlights

Dee Bost – 22 points;
Alexey – 18 points;
Negrete – 15 points;
Shaq Johnson – 13 points. 

1st Bedroom

FlaBasquete started the match conceding the first two points, but quickly responded with two three-pointers, one by Shaq Johnson and another by Negrete. The match was evenly matched, with the teams trading points and alternating the lead. In the second half of the quarter, Fortaleza was more accurate with their shots and opened up a nine-point lead. In the final seconds, Dee Bost hit a three-pointer to close the gap to six points. The Ceará team closed the period with a 25-19 lead. 

2st Bedroom

On the court, Kayo Gonçalves immediately showed his aim was on point, hitting a three-pointer in the opening seconds of the quarter. Fortaleza continued to be more efficient on offense until midway through the quarter. With two three-pointers from Dee Bost, the Pride of the Nation tied the score. The American was showing excellent accuracy from the perimeter. Kayo, a three-point specialist, hit another one to put the red-and-black team ahead. However, in the final seconds, Fortaleza regained the lead and went into halftime leading 41-43. 

3st Bedroom

In the third quarter, Negrete made a beautiful drive and scored two points on a layup just before the clock expired. The game remained evenly matched, with the teams alternating the lead. A bit absent in the previous quarters, Alexey grew into the game and contributed significantly to the red-and-black team's first lead. Negrete also stood out, as he, alongside Alexey, led the organization of Mengão's offensive plays. In the last second, Dee Bost hit another three-pointer, giving the Pride of the Nation a 74-56 lead.  

4st Bedroom

In the final quarter, Fortaleza managed to erase Flamengo's lead. Just as their opponent closed the gap to eleven points, Dee Bost stepped up and hit two three-pointers, effectively dampening the Ceará team's comeback. The American was the best player on the court with 22 points. Cummings also performed well in the final quarter, putting on a stellar dunk show. Dominating the game, FlaBasquete maintained its momentum until the end and reached its 100th victory, 102-73.  

Next challenge

The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Wednesday (29) to face São José, at 19:30 pm, at the Lineu de Moura gym, for the fourth round of the NBB. 

Starting Quintet

Alexey, Negrete, Shaq Johnson, Markeith Cummings and Wesley Castro.
Coach: Sergio Hernandez.