In another away game for the NBB, FlaBasquete beat Brasília 86-74 this Saturday (17), at the Nilson Nelson gymnasium, in the federal capital. For the red-black side, Gui Deodato was the highlight with 19 points. With the positive result, Orgulho da Nação took the provisional lead in the national competition.

Highlights
Gui Deodato – 19 points;
Gabriel Jaú – 17 points;
Franco Balbi – 12 points;
Cuello – 11 points.

1st Bedroom
The game started evenly, with both teams trading points. Didi scored Mengão's first two points of the match. Then, Gui Deodato received the ball in a good position and converted a three-pointer. Brasília, for its part, was strong on the attack and managed to take the lead from the start. With four minutes remaining in the quarter, Gui Deodato hit two more three-pointers. But it was the home team who closed out the period, winning 28-20.

2st Bedroom
At a disadvantage, the red-and-black team wasn't performing well on three-pointers, while Brasília capitalized on its offensive opportunities. As the quarter progressed, the Pride of the Nation responded and managed to close the gap. Devon Scott made a good play in the paint and scored two points on a layup. Balbi moved up to the defense and fired a pinpoint shot from the perimeter. In the final seconds of the period, Mengão tied the game and went into halftime with the score at 39-39.

3st Bedroom
In the third period, Cuello went for a three-point shot, converted, and put the Pride of the Nation ahead for the first time. The magician Balbi proved his accuracy, hitting two more consecutive three-pointers. Olivinha made a good play in the paint and added two more points on a layup. Stepping up their game, the red-and-black team opened up a nine-point lead: 62-53.

4st Bedroom
FlaBasquete continued to control the game in the final quarter. Gui Deodato, inside the paint, spun in the air and scored two more for the red-and-black team. Gabriel Jaú was another player who had a great game, tipping the balance in Mengão's favor. Maintaining the same pace in the final minutes, the Pride of the Nation opened up a twelve-point lead and closed the game 86-74, earning their 12th consecutive victory of the season.

Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court on February 29th to face Mogi das Cruzes, at 20 pm, at the Tijuca gym, for the NBB.

Starting Quintet
Franco Balbi, Gui Deodato, Didi, Maique and Devon Scott.
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.