Fighting to maintain its lead in the NBB, FlaBasquete traveled to Campina Grande, Paraíba, and defeated Unifacisa 90-82 on Easter Sunday afternoon. Didi, with 20 points, was the standout performer. With another victory, "Pride of the Nation" remains in first place in the qualifying round of the national competition.  

Highlights
Didi – 20 points;
Olivinha – 17 points;
Franco Balbi – 15 points;
Gabriel Jaú – 10 points and 12 rebounds.

1st Bedroom
The game began with the home team opening up a four-point lead. Gabriel Jaú was responsible for Flamengo's first two points. With a strong attack, Unifacisa worked well offensively and managed to maintain a somewhat advantageous lead early on. Gradually, the red-and-black team found its feet on the court. Argentine Balbi took charge and converted a crucial three-pointer, bringing the team closer. Big Maique found himself free on the perimeter and scored three points. With that, Mengão took the lead for the first time in the match. Jaú made a beautiful individual play, led the counterattack, and went for that dunk that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Showing great resilience, FlaBasquete closed the half at 23-19.

2st Bedroom
Early in the second quarter, the home team regained the lead. On the court, Olivinha battled in the paint and scored two points. The match was evenly matched, with the teams alternating in front. Loku Cuello shot a three-pointer and converted a crucial basket. One notable factor is that the red-and-black team managed to secure the majority of the defensive rebounds. Also noteworthy was Olivinha's performance, as he worked excellently in the paint. With a six-point lead, the Pride of the Nation went into halftime with a 44-38 lead.

3st Bedroom
In the third quarter, Gui Deodato found Didi with a clear shot to convert a three-pointer from the dead zone. With a strong start, Flamengo increased their lead to double digits. As the period progressed, Unifacisa leveled the score again and closed the gap. Gui Deodato cut through the defense and scored a crucial three-pointer. Scott Machado made a beautiful play in the paint and added two more points for Mengão, who remained ahead by nine points: 67-58.

4st Bedroom
In the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, Didi received an open ball on the perimeter and scored another three points for the Mais Querido. Olivinha also followed his teammate's lead, converting his first three-pointer of the game. Balbi made an individual play and used the backboard to convert two more points on a layup. The home team grew in the final minutes and reduced the red-and-black advantage, making the game thrilling in the final stretch. With two minutes remaining, Cuello spun on the marker and converted two important points. Didi, from the dead zone, hit another three-pointer that was decisive in maintaining the lead. With that, the Orgulho da Nação closed the match 90-82 and remained in the lead of the NBB.

Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Tuesday (2) to face Fortaleza BC, at 20 pm, in the gymnasium of the Northeast Olympic Training Center (CFO).

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