TOWARDS THE SEMIFINAL! In the third game of the quarterfinals of the New Basketball Brazil (NBB), Flamengo defeated Paulistano 87-68 on Tuesday night (3), at the Antonio Prado Jr. gymnasium, in São Paulo. JP Batista was the highlight of the match with 15 points. With the victory, the Pride of the Nation closed the series 3-0 and advanced to the semifinals of the tournament.

Highlights
JP Batista – 15 points;
Lucas Martinez – 12 points;
Yago – 12 points.

The game
Flamengo scored the first two points of the match. JP Batista provided a beautiful assist for Luke Martinez to open the scoring. Flamengo's Pride was excellent with steals and rebounds, capitalizing on a quick offensive transition. JP Batista and Dar Tucker converted two consecutive three-pointers. Flamengo dominated the early game and managed to open a good lead. Brandon Robinson capitalized on the team's momentum and hit another three-pointer. In a crushing first quarter, Flamengo opened up a 16-point lead: 30 to 14.

In the opening seconds of the second period, Túlio da Silva worked the ball well in the paint and added two more on the layup. On the court, Balbi delivered an excellent pass to Mineiro, who hit a three-pointer. With a solid defense, Orgulho da Nação (the Pride of the Nation) gave Paulistano no room to set up offensive plays. On offense, they seized their opportunities to open a large lead. Luke Martinez had two chances from outside the perimeter, and on the second, he scored another three points. FlaBasquete dominated the court, completely dominating the first half, and went into the break with a comfortable 48-26 lead.

FlaBasquete came out swinging for the third quarter, and Yago hit a three-pointer right away. On a fast break, Yago sent Dar Tucker to the paint, who drove to the paint and dunked to put the score up 2. Mineiro was completely free and converted another three-pointer. Dunk specialist Túlio da Silva turned and nailed two more points, this time from behind. Paulistano, in turn, improved the game and managed to shorten the red-and-black lead. The third quarter ended 65-53 for the "Mais Querido."

In the fourth quarter, Olivinha used his experience, working the boards, and scored two more points for FlaBasquete. At a crucial moment, Franco Balbi stepped up and hit his first three-pointer of the game. Paulistano tried to mount a comeback, but the red-and-black team calmly worked their moves well and once again opened up a large lead.

With a clear command of the match, Orgulho da Nação won 87-68, closing the series with three wins and advancing to the NBB semifinals. Mengão's opponent will be determined by the match between Minas Gerais and Unifacisa.

Starting Quintet
Yago, Lucas Martinez, Dar Tucker, Mineiro and JP Batista.
Coach: Gustavo de Conti.

The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo rely on resources from their sponsors – BRB, MOSS, TIM, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and State Incentive Law/State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure and Youth (Seelje) of Rio de Janeiro, in addition to support from the Brazilian Committee of Clubs (CBC).