In Game 3 of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) final, FlaBasquete beat Franca 81-75 on Saturday afternoon (4), at Maracanãzinho, and left the match open. The highlight of the match was Olivinha with 27 points. With the triumph, Orgulho da Nação forced the fourth game of the series, which will take place next Thursday (9), in Franca.

The game
Franca opened the match with a seven-point lead. Faverani scored Flamengo's first two points of the game. Then, Olivinha, with a well-placed shot, hit a three-pointer to close the gap. On the court, Balbi provided a beautiful assist for Olivinha to score two more. The match remained evenly matched, with both teams trading points on offense. The first quarter ended evenly, with the Pride of the Nation seeking a comeback: 16-16.

The second quarter remained much the same. Dar Tucker made a pass to Faverani for two points. Yago then converted his first three-pointer of the game. Franca capitalized on offensive rebounds and quickly transitioned into attack. FlaBasquete had a low free throw percentage and wasted some points. Brandon Robinson received the ball from the perimeter and made another three for Fla. In the final minutes, Faverani converted a three-pointer in a key moment of the quarter. Dar Tucker showed his quality and, in the final seconds, made two free throws and then, on a quick counterattack, made two more. Franca went into halftime with a slim lead: 36-39.

Early in the third quarter, Balbi made a good drive into the paint and scored two more for FlaBasquete. Olivinha received the ball open in the dead zone and hit a three-pointer. The God of Race soon followed with two more to turn the score around and drive the Red-Black Nation wild at Maracãzinho. Faverani, on an individual play, dunked for two more points. Just the way he likes it, Faverani delivered another monumental dunk. The Pride of the Nation rose to prominence at a crucial moment in the game. The Monster Yago also took advantage of the team's momentum, taking a three-point shot that went in. Mengão closed the third quarter with a 56-49 lead.

In the fourth quarter, Faverani, playing brilliantly, drove into the paint, scored, was fouled, and also converted the bonus free throw. Olivinha, once again well-positioned in the dead zone, scored another three-pointer for Mengão. The God of Race was inspired! He hit two more, was fouled, and converted the bonus free throw. Franco Balbi also showed his decisiveness and scored another three-pointer. In the final minutes, Mengão maintained its strong pace and managed to stay ahead, securing a crucial 81-75 victory.

With that, Game 4 of the series will be played next Thursday (9), at the Pedrocão gym, in Franca.

Highlights
Olivinha - 27 points;
Faverani - 15 points;
Dar Tucker - 13 points.

Starting Quintet
Yago, Lucas Martinez, Rafael Mineiro, Olivinha and Faverani,
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.


The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo rely on resources from their sponsors – BRB, MOSS, TIM, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and State Incentive Law/State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure and Youth (Seelje) of Rio de Janeiro, in addition to support from the Brazilian Committee of Clubs (CBC).