FlaBasquete returned to the court this Thursday (07), for the Integration Tournament, and was defeated by Unifacisa by 90 to 88, in Campina Grande-PB. Despite the defeat, the Mais Querido won the title of the competition by the difference of points. Flamengo, Minas and Unifacisa finished the championship with one win and one loss each, and scores of 8, 7 and -15, respectively. Yago was the top scorer of the match, with 26 points. Now, the Pride of the Nation changes the focus and turns its attention to the semifinals of the Campeonato Carioca. The team will face Municipal in search of a place in the final.  

The game
The first quarter had barely begun when American Robinson hit a three-pointer, showing Mengão's calling card. Fabián Sahdi and Vitor Faverani followed suit, also converting from outside the perimeter. A youth academy product, Rachel had a great start, hitting two three-pointers. The Unifacisa team also had good offensive efficiency and kept Flamengo from getting ahead. In the final period, Gustavinho rotated the team and brought on Yago, Mineiro, and JP Batista. The Pride of the Nation managed to open a ten-point lead and ended the period ahead 33-23.

Early in the second quarter, Faverani worked well in the paint, converting a two-point shot and then drawing a foul. Unifacisa came back more focused and managed to reduce the lead to three points. With the home team's increased production, the match became evenly matched, with both teams exchanging points on offense. With four minutes remaining in the quarter, Olivinha returned to the court and scored his first two points of the game. In the final minute, Yago made a great individual play and hit a three-pointer. The quarter ended tied at 49-49.

After halftime, the Unifacisa team came back strong and took the lead. FlaBasquete, meanwhile, wasted some offensive chances and struggled to score. In a quarter well down, the red-and-black team struggled to find its feet and made a few mistakes, particularly on three-point attempts, which stubbornly failed to go in. The Paraíba team finished the third quarter ahead 73-60.

In the final quarter, Mengão came back more focused and quickly reduced Unifacisa's lead to six points. Olivinha received an open ball and hit a three-pointer. The red-and-black defense returned to action, blocking the home team's shots. Olivinha provided a great assist for Robinson, who scored and tied the game. Mengão managed to take a 13-point lead in less than four minutes! A strong performance, Yago converted a crucial three-pointer, giving Mengão the lead. The red-and-black Monster commanded the team on the court and dictated the pace of the game. In the final minutes, the duel became electrifying. With 25 seconds remaining, Olivinha converted a crucial three-pointer, cutting the home team's lead to one point. Unifacisa ended up hitting the free throws in the final seconds and won the game 90-88.  

Highlights

Yago - 26 points;

Robinson - 11 points;

Olivinha - 10 points.

Next appointment
Now, Rubro-Negro changes focus and will face Municipal in the semifinals of the Rio de Janeiro Basketball Championship. The first game is scheduled for next Sunday (10), at 16 pm, in Gávea. The match will be broadcast live on FlaTV starting at 15:30 pm.

Starting Quintet
Fabián Sahdi, Brandon Robinson, Olivinha, Rachel and Faverani.
Coach: Gustavo De Conti. 


The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo rely on resources from their sponsors – BRB, MOSS, TIM, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and State Incentive Law/State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure and Youth (Seelje) of Rio de Janeiro, in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC).