Playing at home in the NBB, FlaBasquete had another solid performance and beat Mogi das Cruzes, 77 to 49, on Thursday night (29), at the Tijuca Tênis Clube gym. Olivinha scored 13 points and was the top scorer of the match.

Now, the Pride of the Nation goes to Argentina to face Obras Sanitarias, in the BCLA quarterfinals.

Highlights

Olivinha – 13 points;
Gui Deodato – 12 points;
Devon Scott – 12 points;
Gabriel Jaú – 11 points. 

1st Bedroom

Mengão's first three points of the game came from Gui Deodato, following good work by the red-and-black attack. In an individual play, Franco Balbi led the counterattack alone and scored two points on a layup. Next, Loku Cuello received the ball from the perimeter and converted the shot. On the court, Olivinha grabbed the offensive rebound and also scored his own on a layup. Consistent on defense and scoring well on offense, the Pride of the Nation closed the period with a 15-point lead: 20-05. 

2st Bedroom

In the second quarter, the red-and-black team was more economical with points, but continued to perform well defensively, preventing any comeback from Mogi das Cruzes. Another important factor was that the "Mais Querido" managed to secure most of the defensive rebounds. In the final seconds, Big Maique received an open ball and hit a three-pointer. With that, FlaBasquete went into halftime leading 34-17.

3st Bedroom

In a great play in the paint, Olivinha scored the first two points after the third quarter. Following that, the "God of Race" scored a three-pointer. Setting the pace, the Pride of the Nation consolidated its lead. Gui Deodato scored five points in two consecutive plays: the first on a three-pointer, and the second on a penetration play in the paint. Jaú grabbed a rebound in the paint and added another on a layup. Mengão closed the quarter with a 59-30 lead.  

4st Bedroom

In the final quarter, the Red-Blacks managed to effectively manage the significant lead they'd gained in the previous quarters. In a well-executed play, Balbi passed to Jaú, who converted another three-pointer. In the final minutes, the Red-Blacks didn't let up and continued to score. With another solid performance, FlaBasquete defeated Mogi 77-49. 

Next challenge

The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Monday (4) to face Obras Sanitarias-ARG, at 7:10 pm, at Estadio Obras, for the first game of the quarterfinals of the Basketball Champions League Americas (BCLA). Afterwards, FlaBasquete returns to Rio de Janeiro for Game 2, which will be played on Thursday (19), at 20:10 pm, at Maracanãzinho. Secure your ticket now clicking here. 

Starting Quintet

Franco Balbi, Gui Deodato, Loku Cuello, Gabriel Jaú and Devon Scott.
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.