In a thrilling duel in the debut of the FIBA ​​Intercontinental Club Cup, FlaBasquete lost to NBA G League United (USA) by 93 to 91, on Thursday morning (18), in Singapore. After being 23 points behind on the scoreboard, the Pride of the Nation showed great power of reaction, even came back to turn the game around, but ended up defeated in the last play of the match. Despite the negative result, the red-black team remains alive in the competition and faces Illawarra Hawks, from Australia, this Friday (19) to decide the classification.  

Highlights

Gui Deodato – 20 points;
Shaq Johnson – 20 points;
Cummings – 15 points;
Dee Bost – 12 points. 

1st Bedroom

The match started evenly, with the G League team taking the lead. FlaBasquete didn't let it go, tying the score with Cummings, who scored the red-and-black team's first two points in the World Cup. As the quarter progressed, the North American team held a small lead, but the Pride of the Nation quickly responded. The first period ended 19-16 for the G League.

2st Bedroom

A standout for the red-and-black team until then, Cummings scored crucial points to keep the American team from opening up a lead. On the court, Dee Bost quickly showed his calling card with a three-pointer. Daniel Onwenu didn't let it go, repeating his teammate's example, hitting another three-pointer for Mengão. Alexey found Gui Deodato in the dead zone, and he converted his first three points of the match. Meanwhile, the G League also continued to score and maintain their lead. With that, they ended the second quarter with an eight-point lead: 38-29. 

3st Bedroom

After halftime, the G League team hit two consecutive three-pointers and made a run, extending their lead even further. FlaBasquete was making numerous offensive errors and struggling to score. Alexey drove into the paint and found Shaq open in the dead zone. He converted another three-pointer for the Mais Querido. Then, Shaq Johnson again showed his skill and, with a hot hand, hit three more three-pointers for Mengão, cutting the lead to ten points. In the final minutes, the G League scored again and closed the quarter with a 67-54 lead.

4st Bedroom

Early in the fourth quarter, Shaq Johnson's three-pointer fell again, narrowing the deficit to eight points. Dee Bost received a free throw in the dead zone and also converted for three. Returning to the court, Alexey made a good individual play and scored two points. In the second half of the quarter, the Pride of the Nation stepped up and took full control of the game, cutting the deficit to just four points with five minutes remaining. Gui Deodato, from the middle of the field, hit an incredible three-pointer, tying the score. And the colossal comeback came soon after with two more three-pointers in a row! The final seconds were electrifying. With five seconds remaining, the G League was ahead by one point. Cummings stepped to the line, missed one free throw, and made the other, tying the game. But in the final two seconds, the G League team made the final shot and won 93-91. 

Next challenge

The Pride of the Nation returns to the court this Friday (19) to face the Illawarra Hawks, at 6 am (Brasília time), at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, for the second round of the FIBA ​​Intercontinental Club Cup. 

Starting Quintet

Alexey, Shaq Johnson, Gui Deodato, Cummings and Wesley. 
Coach: Sergio Hernandez.