In another away duel, FlaBasquete had another consistent performance and beat São Paulo 83-70 on Thursday night (7), at the Antônio Prado Jr gym, for the NBB. Gabriel Jaú was once again the highlight of the match with 24 points scored. Now, the Pride of the Nation focuses on the debut of the Basketball Champions League Americas, next week, at Maracanãzinho.

Highlights
Gabriel Jaú – 24 points
Gui Deodato – 23 points;
Didi – 13 points.

1st Bedroom
The Pride of the Nation quickly showed its calling card with Maique, who hit the game's first three-pointer. The red-and-black team was showing strong offensive performance, eventually opening up a 12-point lead. With a solid defense, Flamengo hampered São Paulo's offensive play, which struggled to penetrate the ball. After some movement, Gui Deodato feinted on the marker and converted a three-pointer. With a great performance, the Mais Querido (Most Beloved) closed the quarter with a 12-point lead: 22-10.

2st Bedroom
On the first attack, Scott Machado found Jaú open in the paint for two more points. Loku Cuello, from the dead zone, added three more for the Pride of the Nation. São Paulo, in turn, improved slightly in the fourth and managed to shorten the red-and-black lead. On a counterattack, Balbi entered the paint and put two more on the board. Still in control of the match, the Red-and-Blacks went into halftime ahead: 37-32.

3st Bedroom
Returning for the third quarter, FlaBasquete continued to play strong defense. On offense, Gui Deodato converted four free throws in the first three minutes. As the fourth quarter progressed, São Paulo stepped up their game and managed to turn the game around. Jaú worked well in the paint and scored two more from the hook. The game remained evenly matched, with a lively exchange of points. In the final seconds, Gui Deodato hit a three-pointer to put the Pride of the Nation just one point behind: 56-55.

4st Bedroom
Early in the fourth quarter, Gui Deodato worked the ball with Didi, who converted a three-pointer. Gui then hit his own three-pointer. A standout performer in the second half, Gui Deodato was inspired and scored another three-pointer. The Pride of the Nation surged again in the final minutes, opening up an eight-point lead. Without any scares, Mengão worked well in the final stretch and left the court with another great victory in the NBB: 83-70.  

Next appointment
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Wednesday (13) to face Hebraica Macabi, at 21:10 pm, at Maracanãzinho, for the debut of the Basketball Champions League Americas.

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