FlaBasquete is defeated by Franca by 64 to 62 at Maracanãzinho
The red-black team was ahead for much of the game, but ended up being turned around in the last quarter.
By Romulo Paranhos - in
In Game 2 of the New Basketball Brazil (NBB) finals, FlaBasquete was defeated by Franca 64-62 on Thursday night (02), at the Maracanãzinho gymnasium. The Pride of the Nation will face the São Paulo team again on Saturday (04), again in Rio de Janeiro.
The game
FlaBasquete's first points of the match came from Rafa Mineiro. Then, Dar Tucker hit his first three-pointer of the game. Franca was attacking and taking advantage of the shots. Dar Tucker showed his accuracy and converted another three-pointer. In a very even match, fought point-by-point, the Pride of the Nation finished the first period ahead: 18-16.
In the opening seconds of the second quarter, Brandon Robinson attempted a three-pointer, but the ball went in. Robinson came back strong again and converted another three-pointer. Yago, the "Monstrinho rubro-negro" (Red-Black Monster), didn't let it go, also scoring from the perimeter. Showing their strength at home, the Pride of the Nation seized their chances on offense and managed to open up a small lead. Faverani grabbed an offensive rebound and added two more for Mengão. In the final minute, Rafa Mineiro converted a crucial three-pointer to keep the red-black team ahead: 39-34.
After halftime, Faverani made a good play in the paint, scoring two points, and was fouled, hitting the bonus free throw. Yago received the ball from the three-point line and hit another. Pushed by the Nação, the red-and-black team showed good offensive efficiency. Franca, later in the quarter, rallied and brought the match back into balance. "Mais Querido" (The Most Beloved) finished ahead by one point: 52-51.
In the fourth quarter, Luke Martinez appeared at the perfect time and hit a three-pointer to blow away the Red-Black Nation at Maracanãzinho. The match was thrilling, fought point-by-point. With four minutes remaining, Franca turned the game around. Flamengo made numerous offensive errors, and the São Paulo team capitalized on this opportunity to close out the match 64-62.
Next appointment
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court on Saturday (04) to face Franca again, at 16:10 pm, at Maracanãzinho, for Game 3 of the NBB finals.
Starting Quintet
Yago, Lucas Martinez, Dar Tucker, Rafa Mineiro and Faverani.
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.