The final stretch of the qualifying phase of this edition of the NBB has arrived and FlaBasquete continues with high performance! On Wednesday night (01/03), the Pride of the Nation hosted Minas at Maracanãzinho and, facing a very disputed match, achieved another victory in the competition: 79 to 78.

With 21 points and eight rebounds, Hettsheimeir led the red-black triumph.

Highlights
Hettsheimeir - 21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists
Fischer - 8 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists
Luke Martínez - 9 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists

The game

Despite trailing in the first two minutes of the game, Flamengo began their comeback with five consecutive points from Gui Deodato. The comeback came thanks to Hettsheimeir, who converted a three-pointer near the five-minute mark. Minas managed to capitalize on their offensive opportunities and make things difficult on defense. The scoreboard had both teams ahead, but never with a significant advantage. With just over a minute remaining on the clock, Rafael Mineiro hit an impressive block. The first quarter ended with the score at 19-23 for Minas.

The second half began with a balanced tone. When Minas opened up a six-point lead, Luke Martínez hit a long-range basket. Fischer made a good run into the box and scored; the comeback came soon after, with a three-pointer from Hettsheimeir. The visiting team continued to fight, but Flamengo managed to assert its dominance in the final stretch of the quarter. Thanks to good shooting from Penka Aguirre, Gui Deodato, and Luke Martínez, the Pride of the Nation went into halftime leading 42-37.

Minas opened the second half with a three-pointer, but Luke Martínez soon converted, also from the perimeter. Leading in the scoring, FlaBasquete controlled the match, maintaining a five-point lead into the final period. With eight points, Hettsheimeir was the standout performer in the third quarter. The 20-20 scoreline demonstrated the teams' even balance.

The final quarter saw Flamengo gain momentum, closing the gap to just three points before the five-minute mark. Vildoza and Cuello put in a good three-pointer, and Flamengo held on to the lead. The final two minutes were thrilling, with Flamengo scoring baskets. In the final moments, Minas missed a free throw. The Flamengo defense forced Johnson into a mistake as the clock expired, and the victory went to the Pride of the Nation: 79-78.

Starting Quintet
Gui Deodato, Ricardo Fischer, Gabriel Jaú, Hettsheimeir and Cuello
Coach: Gustavo De Conti

Next appointment
FlaBasquete returns to the court on Sunday (5), against Universidad de Concepción, in Chile. The game is valid for the Champions League Americas and is broadcast by ESPN.