On Wednesday night (14), FlaBasquete went in search of its first victory in the Champions League Americas, against Peñarol, and did not disappoint. With a solid performance from start to finish, Mais Querido controlled the game, won 94 to 67 in Montevideo and recovered in the competition. With the result and the large difference in points, Orgulho da Nação takes the lead in group C, which has three teams with one victory so far. 

Flamengo capitalized on its core strengths with a high volume of three-pointers, converting an incredible 17 perimeter shots, a 47% success rate. They also put in a strong defensive performance, forcing the Uruguayan team to choose poor shots and create transition opportunities for the red-and-blacks. The standouts of the match were José Vildoza with 18 points, Luke Martinez with 17 points and 8 rebounds, and Rafael Hettsheimeir with 16 points and 9 rebounds.

The game

Flamengo started the game moving the ball well, and on the first possession, Gui Deodato capitalized on a quick exchange of passes to score the game's first three points. The forward, the leading scorer in the last game, scored the second from the perimeter in a row. Cuello found Olivinha under the basket for two more points for Mais Querido, coming off an assist. Flamengo forced poor shots from their opponents and quickly transitioned, creating favorable situations for the attack.

In the final stretch of the first quarter, coach Gustavo de Conti's team relied on a flurry of three-pointers to pull away. Gui Deodato and Luke Martinez were sharp from the perimeter, and Flamengo opened the game with five shots on nine attempts, a 56% success rate on long balls. There was still time for Jaú to set up Mineiro with a beautiful pass, and the power forward dunked with authority. The first quarter was 25-16 for Mengão.

Vildoza opened the second quarter with a beautiful three-pointer. The Argentine point guard controlled the pace of the game and was deadly when he hit the ball inside. Flamengo slowed down defensively throughout the quarter, but the excellent performance of the bench players kept the Mais Querido (Flamengo's Favorite) in the lead. The reserves were responsible for 22 of Flamengo's 49 points so far, which went into halftime with the score at 49-34. 

Flamengo came out of the locker room, picked up the pace, and soon found themselves more than 20 points ahead. With the match under control, the "Mais Querido" (the most beloved team) worked the ball patiently and found the best shots. Peñarol attempted a comeback with eight consecutive points, but Olivinha hit a beautiful layup, and Mineiro put in a strong defensive play that ended with two free throws for the power forward on the other side of the court, breaking the Uruguayans' rhythm. The third quarter ended 72-51 for Flamengo. 

The fourth quarter began with Olivinha showing his class in the paint, scoring two more points. Luke Martinez hit another three-pointer, the Sniper finishing the game with five of six attempts from the perimeter. Vildoza continued his spectacular night with another converted long jump shot. The end of the game reflected the match as a whole. Flamengo moved the ball around, had good opportunities, and lived for the three-pointer, especially through José Vildoza, Luke Martinez, and Hettsheimeir. The teams traded baskets until the end of the match, which ended with a 94-67 victory for the Pride of the Nation.

 

Starting Quintet

Penka Aguirre, Gui Deodato, Cuello, Olivinha and Hettsheimeir

 

Next appointment

The Pride of the Nation turns the key and returns its attention to the NBB next Tuesday (20), when it faces São Paulo, at 20 pm, away from home, for the national competition.