In the last game of the NBB regular season, FlaBasquete beat Pinheiros, 73-59, this Monday (8), at Maracanãzinho, and qualified with the best campaign of the first phase of the competition. Scott Machado, with 13 points, was the highlight for the red-black side. Now, the Pride of the Nation awaits the definition of its opponent in the competition's playoffs.

Highlights
Scott Machado – 13 points;
Gui Deodato – 11 points;
Olivinha – 11 points and 10 rebounds;
Didi – 10 points.

1st Bedroom
Pinheiros scored the first points of the match. Flamengo, on the other hand, didn't start well on offense and missed several scoring opportunities. The opposing team's defense worked well, hindering Flamengo's play. Gui Deodato scored Mengão's first three-pointer. Maique converted a free throw, and the Pride of the Nation tied the score. Balbi's beautiful pass led to Gui Deodato dunking and two more points. On the court, Olivinha took a shot from the dead zone and converted a three-pointer. With a five-point lead, FlaBasquete closed the period at 17-12.

2st Bedroom
Scott Machado, from mid-range, converted two more points for Mengão early in the second quarter. As the period progressed, Pinheiros closed the gap again, leveling the score. Gui Deodato, in a crucial moment, hit a three-pointer to keep Mengão ahead. Olivinha scored another two points on the layup. In a tight quarter, the Pride of the Nation remained in the lead and went into halftime with a 32-30 lead.

3st Bedroom
In the third quarter, Pinheiros took the lead again, but FlaBasquete quickly responded with Big Maique, who converted a three-pointer from the dead zone. Olivinha, always in crucial moments, shot for a three, but the ball fell. Repeating his teammate, Gui Deodato advanced on the counterattack and calmly converted a three-pointer. In the final minutes, Mengão opened up the lead and closed the quarter at 58-42.

4st Bedroom
In the final quarter, the Pride of the Nation remained in control. Balbi worked the play and passed to Maique, who scored two more on a hook shot. Then it was the Argentine point guard's turn to hit a three-pointer. In the final minutes, the red-and-black team maintained its momentum, managed its lead, and won the match 73-59.

Leading the NBB qualifying round, FlaBasquete awaits the determination of its opponent in the national competition's playoffs. The Rubro-Negro will face the 16th-place team.

Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation turns the key and enters the court for the semifinal of the Basketball Champions League Americas next Saturday (13), when it faces Halcones de Xalapa, at 19:10 pm, in Ciudad de Santiago del Estero, Argentina.

Starting Quintet
Franco Balbi, Gui Deodato, Didi, Maique and Gabriel Jaú
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.