On Saturday afternoon (30), FlaBasquete ended up being beaten by Minas by 81 to 70, at the Maracanãzinho gymnasium, in another round of the NBB. Now, the Pride of the Nation faces Pato Basquete away from home.

1st Bedroom
The match started evenly, with both teams fighting for possession. Alexey scored the first three points for the red-and-blacks. FlaBasquete managed to lock in their defense and hamper their opponent's offensive play. However, midway through the quarter, Minas found openings in their attack and tied the game. Gui Deodato took a shot from the perimeter, and the ball went in, restoring the lead for the home team. On the court, Balbi provided a beautiful assist for Jordan Williams to dunk. At the last second, Alexey fired a shot from midcourt, putting the Pride of the Nation ahead 21-19.

2st Bedroom
The red-and-black team's standout thus far, Alexey penetrated the paint, scored on a layup, and was even fouled. He also converted the bonus free throw. Lucas Siewert shot from the three-point line and hit the Pride of the Nation's sixth three-pointer of the match. Minas, in turn, fought back and turned the score around with just over six minutes remaining in the quarter. The match remained very even until the end of the period, and Minas went into halftime leading by just one point: 36-35.

3st Bedroom
In the third quarter, Alexey took a shot from the perimeter and scored another three points for Flamengo. The match remained very even, with the teams alternating the lead. Midway through the period, Flamengo organized its attack and opened up a small lead. The final minutes of the period were intense, with the teams exchanging points. With a sure aim, Kayo Gonçalves converted from the perimeter, scoring another three points. In the final seconds, Flamengo managed to hold on to their lead and closed out the period with a 58-57 victory.

4st Bedroom
At the start of the fourth quarter, Minas took the lead again. Flamengo struggled to score due to their opponent's strong defense. With a pass from Ruan, the red-and-black team cut the lead to one point. Just when it seemed Flamengo would rally, the Minas team hit another three-pointer and took a five-point lead with five minutes remaining. The match became more exciting in the final minutes, but Minas held on to the lead and closed out the game with an 81-70 victory.

Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Tuesday (3) to face Pato Basquete, at 19:30 pm, at the SESI Pato Branco gym, for the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB).

Starting Quintet
Alexey, Shaq Johnson, Jhonatan Luz, Kayo Gonçalves and Ruan Miranda.
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.