FlaBasquete faced Paisas on Sunday night (9) in Medellín, Colombia and won the first game of the quarterfinals of the Basketball Champions League Americas (BCLA) by 89 to 72. The Pride of the Nation is ahead and if it wins again on Friday (14) it will guarantee a place in the Final Four.

Highlights

Alexey Borges - 20 points, 9 assists and 9 rebounds;

Ruan Miranda - 15 points and 11 rebounds;

Gui Deodato - 12 points.

1st Bedroom

The match didn't start well for FlaBasquete, which struggled to attack effectively and ended up conceding points, eventually falling seven points behind its opponent. But with about two minutes left in the first quarter, Kayo hit a three-pointer that reinvigorated the Pride of the Nation. It didn't take long for the comeback to happen, with two points from Taya Gallizzi and three points from Gui Deodato to close the first half at 19-23.

2st Bedroom

The second quarter began with a scoring lead, but FlaBasquete quickly turned things around with another three-pointer from Gui Deodato. Alexey, Taya Gallizzi, and Balbi then scored, giving Orgulho da Nação a 15-point lead after just six minutes. As the quarter progressed, Paisas closed in, and the score ended 6-43.

3st Bedroom

At the beginning of the third quarter, Paisas attacked hard and kept getting closer to FlaBasquete until they managed to turn the game around. But just as they did, Alexey appeared with a three-pointer to pull away. Five minutes in, Alexey added another, giving the Pride of the Nation a six-point lead. With three minutes remaining, the opposing team closed in again, but Shaq and Gui secured a solid lead for the red-and-black team: 60-68 at the end of the quarter.

4st Bedroom

The fourth quarter began with a strong performance from FlaBasquete, maintaining the momentum they had established at the end of the third period. Jordan and Ruan scored to maintain a 10-point lead, and Kayo and Alexey added a few more points for FlaBasquete in the second half. Taya scored four more free throws late in the game to seal the win at 72-89. A FlaBasquete victory.

Next challenge

The second game against Paisas in the BCLA quarterfinals will take place on Friday (14), at 19:10 pm, at Maracanãzinho. In case of victory, Orgulho da Nação will advance to the Final Four.

Starting Quintet

Alexey, Shaq Johnson, Jordan Williams, Kayo Gonçalves and Ruan Miranda.

Coach: Sergio Hernandez