Heading to the BCLA Final Four! In Game 2 of the Basketball Champions League Americas quarterfinals, FlaBasquete defeated the Argentine team Obras Sanitarias, 80-67, this Thursday (7), at Maracanãzinho, and secured a place in the semifinals of the continental competition. Gabriel Jaú was the highlight of the match with 24 points scored.  

Highlights
Gabriel Jaú – 24 points;
Kayo Gonçalves – 12 points;
Gui Deodato – 10 points.

1st Bedroom
FlaBasquete started the match strong. To show off their calling card, Gabriel Jaú immediately dunked. Gui Deodato then converted the game's first three-pointer. Kayo Gonçalves, a standout player from the last match, also scored from the perimeter, increasing the Flamengo advantage. On the other hand, Obras made numerous errors on offense, making things difficult for Fla's defense. The Argentines closed the gap in the final minutes, but the Pride of the Nation held on to the lead and closed the period at 22-18.

2st Bedroom
In the opening seconds of the quarter, Scott Machado calibrated his hands and converted a three-pointer. Next, Mengão's number 3 drove into the paint and scored on a layup. In a quick passing play, Balbi fed Kayo Gonçalves for another three-pointer. It's worth noting that the red-and-black team managed to grab most of the offensive rebounds, giving them an advantage over their opponents in this regard. Once again, in the final minutes, Obras closed the gap, eventually closing the gap to just one point. But Mengão didn't let up, opening up a four-point lead and heading into halftime ahead: 41-37.

3st Bedroom
Back in the third quarter, Gabriel Jaú used a hook shot to score two more points. The number 9 then battled in the paint, got the rebound, and added two more on a layup. Obras, for their part, relied on the physical strength of Miguel Ruiz, who fought for every ball inside the red-and-black paint. Back on the court, Gui Deodato hit a three-pointer to open up an eight-point lead. Olivinha, from the middle of the field, hit a crucial three-pointer as Argentina came closer to the scoreboard. With the game under control, the Pride of the Nation opened up a second lead in the final seconds: 68-54.

4st Bedroom
In the final quarter, Didi worked well in the paint and scored two layups. Gui Deodato made a great play, driving into the paint and scoring two more points. In the final period, Mengão regained momentum and won the match 80-67, qualifying for the BCLA semifinals without the need for Game 3.

Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Tuesday (12) to face São José, at 20 pm, for the NBB.

Starting Quintet
Franco Balbi, Gui Deodato, Loku Cuello, Kayo Gonçalves and Gabriel Jaú.
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.