On the night of the NBB playoffs, FlaBasquete ended up being defeated by São Paulo by 80 to 72 this Friday (12), at the Tijuca Tênis Clube gymnasium, in game 1 of the competition's semifinals. Now, Rubro-Negro goes to Morumbi next Monday (15) to play game 2 of the best-of-five series.

The game
The Pride of the Nation started the match working the ball well in the attacking half. Gabriel Jaú received the ball from the perimeter and hit the first three-pointer of the game. The start of the quarter was fiercely contested, with the teams going head-to-head. Argentine Vildoza also showed his calibrated hands, hitting Mengão's second three-pointer. São Paulo, in turn, capitalized on their chances to convert their points and take the lead. Meanwhile, the red-and-black team made offensive errors that led to counterattacks from the São Paulo team. In the final stretch of the quarter, Cuello hit a three-pointer and reduced the deficit to six points. The first quarter ended 25-19 for the team from Morumbi.

Early in the second quarter, Hettsheimeir shot a three-pointer, and the ball fell. These were crucial points for Mengão to close the gap. From the baseline, Hett provided a solid assist for Jaú to convert another three-pointer. Soon after, Fischer also shot from the perimeter toward the basket. Another three points gave the Rubro-Negro the lead. Once again, Fischer made a beautiful individual play, outwitted the defender, and converted another three-pointer. In the final seconds, São Paulo took the lead and closed with a one-point lead: 42-41.

After halftime, the game remained evenly matched. Flamengo made offensive errors, allowing São Paulo to regain possession and score. This gave the São Paulo team a ten-point lead. Gabriel Jaú had a sequence of six free throws and converted them all. Importantly, Flamengo went practically five minutes without scoring, but after the first ball went in, the team found its feet and closed the gap. In the final seconds, São Paulo opened up a lead again and closed the quarter at 67-58.

At the start of the fourth quarter, FlaBasquete tried to rally but continued to make numerous offensive errors. São Paulo, on the other hand, continued to consistently lead and score. On the court, Luke Martinez stepped into action and hit a three-pointer, as did Hettsheimeir shortly after. It was enough to ignite the Tijuca Nation! Hett, once again decisive, received an open ball and converted another three-pointer. With two minutes remaining, the São Paulo team's lead was just three points. In the final seconds, São Paulo maintained its strong shooting performance and closed out the game with an 80-72 victory.

Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Monday (15) to face São Paulo again, at 20 pm, at the Morumbi gym, for game 2 of the NBB semifinals.

Starting Quintet
Vildoza, Gui Deodato, Cuello, Gabriel Jaú and Hettsheimeir.
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.