In the Super 8 Cup semifinal, FlaBasquete made the most of their home court advantage and beat Franca 103-72, this Wednesday (29), at the Maracanãzinho gymnasium, securing their place in another tournament final. Shaq Johnson was the highlight of the match with 18 points scored. In search of their fourth championship, Orgulho da Nação faces Minas next Saturday (1).

Highlights
Shaq Johnson – 18 points;
Ruan – 17 points;
Gui Deodato – 13 points;
Franco Balbi – 13 points;
Alexey – 13 points.

1st Bedroom
The match began with Franca opening a three-point lead. However, the Red-Blacks responded shortly after with a two-pointer from Ruan and a three-pointer from Shaq Johnson. The match was evenly matched in the first quarter, with both teams exchanging points. Ruan, a standout player, led the Red-Blacks' attack, excelling in the paint. With a five-point lead, the Pride of the Nation closed the quarter at 21-16.

2st Bedroom
Franca took the lead early in the quarter, but Mengão quickly responded with a three-pointer from Gui Deodato. On the court, Balbi made a good play on the floor and scored two points on a layup. Franca, on the other hand, fought back and turned the score around with just over five minutes remaining. The opponent went into halftime leading 44-40.  

3st Bedroom
In the first minute of the third quarter, Kayo Gonçalves converted a three-pointer to cut the deficit to just one point. The Pride of the Nation came back in full swing and quickly regained the lead. Alexey provided a beautiful assist for Shaq Johnson to score two more points for the red-and-black team. On the court, Lucas Siewert received the ball in the dead zone and scored the three-pointer. After a fast break led by Alexey, Jordan Williams dunked for two more points. With that, the Pride of the Nation finished the quarter ahead 70-60.

4st Bedroom
In the fourth quarter, Shaq made a solo play in the paint, scored two points, was fouled, and hit the bonus free throw. FlaBasquete didn't let up and continued scoring, shutting down any Franca comeback. From the dead zone, Gui Deodato scored another three points, as did Shaq Johnson, who also hit another three-pointer. In the final minutes, Orgulho da Nação converted a series of three-pointers and began to pull away. With their 103th-ever victory, 72-8, Mengão secured a spot in the Copa Super XNUMX final and will go on to win their fourth championship.

Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Saturday (1) to face the Minas team, at 17 pm, at the Minas Tênis Clube gym.

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

THE SUPER 8 DECISION IS RIGHT THERE! LET'S GO! #FlaBasquete pic.twitter.com/CIPXsNC6iw

— Time Flamengo (@TimeFlamengo) January 30, 2025