One win away from the semifinals! FlaBasquete took to the court on Monday night (1) for the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB), and didn't have a day off on the Labor Day holiday. With a good performance at their opponent's home, the team beat Bauru in the second game of the best-of-five series: 85-76 in the duel and 2-0 in the quarterfinals. 

If they qualify, the Rio de Janeiro team could face São Paulo or Pinheiros, who face each other in the other group. The teams' series is currently tied at 1-1.

Highlights

Points - Deodato (19), Jaú (15), Martinez (15)

Rebounds - Vildoza (6), Hettsheimeir (5), Cuello (4) and Deodato (4)

Assists - Vildoza (8), Deodato (2), Fischer (2), Mineiro (2)

The game

The match began with Flamengo taking the initiative and opening a small lead, but Bauru fought back, turning the score around, and closing the first quarter ahead (23-18). Gui Deodato, the red-and-black team's standout performer in the period, scored eight points. Bauru continued to lead in the second quarter, but with the Mais Querido following closely behind. With good aim from Jaú and Martinez—who made all their shots in the quarter—the team from Gávea turned the score around two minutes before halftime (36-37). Having improved throughout the period, the Rio de Janeiro team maintained its momentum and went into the third quarter leading 44-41.

The penultimate period was Flamengo's best of the match. With a strong attack and solid defense, the Red-Blacks opened up a strong lead—at one point, reaching 15 points behind their opponents (50-65)—and conceded only 13. The cherry on top of the Mais Querido's strong quarter was a shot from Gui Deodato, in a pass to Vildoza. The score was 54-65 at the start of the fourth quarter. Martinez connected on the first ball from the perimeter and extended the lead. The lead held until the final shot, which confirmed FlaBasquete's victory, with top scorer Gui Deodato achieving a 100% success rate in the match.

Next challenge

The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Wednesday (3) to face Bauru again, for the third game of the series. If they win, Flamengo will guarantee a place in the semifinals. The ball goes up at 19 pm, again at the Panela de Pressão gym, with broadcast on FlaTV+ and the SporTV channel.

Starting Quintet

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

Coach: Gustavo De Conti