In Game 1 of the NBB 2023/24 final, FlaBasquete ended up being beaten by Franca by 69 to 56, on Saturday morning (1), at the Maracanãzinho gymnasium. Now, the Pride of the Nation will have two away games to try to get at least one victory to bring the fourth game back to Rio de Janeiro.

1st Bedroom
With the support of the Nation, FlaBasquete started the match scoring first, with a three-pointer from Gabriel Jaú. In the first few minutes, both teams made some offensive errors, and the score was low. But gradually, the Pride of the Nation picked up the pace and managed to score. Franco Balbi penetrated the paint and provided a beautiful assist for Jaú to score two more points. The first quarter was marked by strong defensive performances from both teams and a very even scoreboard. With just a one-point lead, Mengão closed the period at 13-12.

2st Bedroom
At the start of the second quarter, the defenses continued to prevail, and the score remained low. Franca took the lead for the first time in the game. Meanwhile, the red-and-black team was making numerous errors on offense, especially on three-pointers. In the final minutes, Scott Machado scored a three-pointer that lifted the nation at Maracanãzinho. With improved offensive performance, Franca went into halftime leading 30-22.

3st Bedroom
After halftime, Franca continued to play better and lead the scoreboard. Meanwhile, Rubro-Negro was desperate to close the gap and turn the game around. Gui Deodato received the ball in the dead zone and hit a three-pointer. "Mais Querido" tried to mount a comeback, but Franca remained focused and managed to maintain its lead, closing the period at 51-35.

4st Bedroom
In the final quarter, FlaBasquete continued to make the same offensive mistakes and couldn't get into the game. At a crucial moment, Didi hit a shot from the perimeter and narrowed the gap slightly. Gui Deodato also replicated his teammate's example, converting a three-pointer. Franca's lead was 11 points with just over six minutes remaining. In the final two minutes, the red-and-black team improved its offensive efficiency and even cut the deficit to eight points. Despite the comeback, Franca maintained its dominance and closed the game with a 69-56 victory.

Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Thursday (6) to face Franca, at 19 pm, at the Pedrocão gym, for Game 2 of the best-of-five series of the NBB final.

Starting Quintet
Franco Balbi, Gui Deodato, Didi, Gabriel Jaú and Devon Scott.
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.