After the Uruguayan BCLA window, FlaBasquete returned with full focus to the NBB and beat União Corinthians 82-65 on Thursday night (18), at Maracanãzinho. After a very balanced start, the Pride of the Nation managed to find its rhythm in the last quarter, opened up a good lead and did not let the victory slip away. Shaq Johnson was the standout player for Flamengo with 18 points. With the result, the Mais Querido continues to share the lead in the competition with Pinheiros and Minas. 

Highlights

Shaq Johnson – 18 points;

Gui Deodato – 17 points; 

Negrete – 11 points.

1st Bedroom

FlaBasquete started the game with three consecutive three-pointers from Gui Deodato. Throughout the quarter, the duel remained very balanced, with the teams trading points, but always with the red-and-black team in the lead. The initial period was well contested, and the Pride of the Nation closed the quarter winning 20-17. 

2st Bedroom 

In the opening minutes of the second quarter, União Corinthians took the lead for the first time. Flamengo was making some offensive errors and struggling to score. Taking advantage of Flamengo's inconsistency, the team from Rio Grande do Sul maintained their lead. In the final minutes, Flamengo improved slightly and began trading points with União Corinthians. In the final seconds, Kayo Gonçalves hit a three-pointer, giving the red-and-black team a six-point lead and going into halftime with a 43-37 advantage. 

3st Bedroom

FlaBasquete came back strong in the third quarter and managed to open up an 11-point lead. Shaq Johnson, from beyond the arc, hit his first three-pointer of the game. In the second half of the period, União Corinthians reacted, regained the lead by one point, and finished the period ahead 57-56. 

4st Bedroom

In the final quarter, FlaBasquete regained the lead with two three-pointers, one by Shaq Johnson and another by Baralle. This gave the red-and-black team confidence and allowed them to reopen a ten-point lead. On the other hand, União Corinthians' performance dipped, and they struggled to convert their shots. In the final stretch, the Pride of the Nation managed their advantage and closed out the game with an 82-65 victory.

Next appointment

The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Sunday (21) to face Cruzeiro, at 11 am, at the Dona Salomé gymnasium, for the NBB. 

Starting Quintet

Negrete, Gui Deodato, Shaq Johnson, Cummings and Wesley.

Coach: Sergio Hernandez.