FOUR-TIME CHAMPION! FlaBasquete, once again, makes history by winning the Super 8 Cup for the fourth time, beating Minas 64-61, on Saturday afternoon (1), at Arena UniBH. In a closely contested decision, the Pride of the Nation grew in the last two quarters and showed the strength of the squad to leave the court with the fourth title of the competition. Ruan was the highlight for the red-black side with 14 points. Alexey was elected the tournament's MVP.

Highlights
Ruan Miranda – 14 points;
Alexey – 10 points and 10 assists;
Franco Balbi – 10 points.

1st Bedroom
The game started well. It took just over a minute for Minas to score their first two points. Alexey scored FlaBasquete's first two points of the match. With a strong defense, the red-and-black team made it difficult for their opponents to penetrate the field. Kayo Gonçalves scored Mengão's first three-pointer. In the second half, Minas opened up more and took the lead, but the match remained very even. With a low score, Minas closed the period with a 13-10 lead.  

2st Bedroom
On offense, Orgulho da Nação continued to struggle to break down Minas' defense and wasted important points. Alexy provided a beautiful assist for Ruan to score on a layup. On the other hand, the opponent's three-pointers were falling, and with that, the home team's lead increased. Shaq Johnson pounced on the rebound to score two points. Lucas Siewert, free in the dead zone, converted for a three, reducing the deficit to just three points. In the final seconds, Minas regained a five-point lead and went into halftime leading 30-25.

3st Bedroom
Coming back into the third quarter, Orgulho da Nação cut the lead to one point. But Minas hit a three-pointer soon after. With that, the teams traded points, making the game thrilling. At one point in the quarter, Minas opened up an eight-point lead again. Alexey continued his consistent play and responded with a three-pointer. In the final seconds, Balbi received an open ball and hit a three-pointer. With that, the quarter ended 47-43 in Minas' favor.

4st Bedroom
At the start of the fourth quarter, the game continued back and forth. Balbi remained on the court and scored another three-pointer. A Jordan Williams triple put the Pride of the Nation ahead at a decisive moment. In the second half, the game became more exciting. Every play became decisive. With just over a minute remaining, the Red-Black team held a slim lead. Jordan Williams converted two free throws with seconds remaining. In the final attack, FlaBasquete managed to contain Minas' attack and won the match 64-61, securing their fourth Super 8 Cup title!

Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court on February 13th to face Fortaleza BC, at 20 pm, at Maracanãzinho, for the NBB.

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