FlaBasquete entered the court, on Wednesday night (3), for Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB), with the chance to close the series of quarterfinals of the championship, but lost the third game to Bauru, by 91 to 80. Once again playing at the opponent's home, the red-black team played a very balanced game in the first three quarters, but could not resist the pressure from the opponent, who fought to stay alive in the dispute, in the final minutes. 

Highlights

Points - Cuello (14), Deodato (14), Fischer (13)

Rebounds - Jaú (6), Mineiro (6), Cuello (5)

Assists - Mineiro (4), Jaú (3)

The game

With good three-point shooting and needing a win to stay alive in the series, Bauru started the match with a 10-point lead over Flamengo. But the Red-Blacks quickly reacted and quickly closed in on their opponents, outshooting the home team from the perimeter and trailing by just two points at the end of the first quarter: 27-25. Flamengo's energy continued into the second period, and with four three-pointers from Fischer (2), Cuello, and Deodato, the Rio de Janeiro team took the lead and remained there until the final two minutes before halftime, when Bauru retook the lead. The quarter ended tied, with the home team winning 45-43.

The Mais Querido (Best Loved) came back full steam ahead for the third quarter, which continued with a back-and-forth rhythm. Gabriel Jaú came out strong and was one of the red-and-blacks' standouts, with five points and four rebounds in the quarter, excelling in the paint. For the first time in the match, the team from Gávea won the set (20-23) and led into the fourth quarter, 65-66. After a very tight game, in the final ten minutes, Bauru played for its life in the series and improved significantly, holding off Flamengo and easily winning the set (26-14).

Next challenge

Orgulho da Nação is one victory away from qualifying for the semifinals and returns to the court against Bauru next Saturday (6), at 20:30 pm, at Tijuca Tênis Clube. If they win, the team will face the winner of the series between São Paulo and Pinheiros in the fight for a place in the NBB grand final.

Starting Quintet

Vildoza, Gui Deodato, Cuello, Gabriel Jaú and Hettsheimeir.

Coach: Gustavo De Conti