Already practically qualified for the next phase of the League of the Americas (LDA), having won the first two matches in the competition, the Flabaquete team faced the home team, Pioneros de Quintana Roo (MEX), in Cancún in the early hours of Sunday (25.01) to Monday (26.01).

Despite starting the game strongly, the Red-Blacks struggled to maintain their rhythm and were eventually defeated by the Mexicans. In a closely contested match, José Neto's team suffered their first defeat of the competition but still qualified for the next round.

The red-and-black team entered the court confident in what they were doing. Nico Laprovittola's confidence, after two strong performances in the competition, was evident. The Pride of the Nation point guard arrived at the final match of this first stage averaging 21,5 points per game. Visibly inspired, the Argentine organized the team so the attack could function. At this point, fellow Argentine Walter Herrmann appeared in the match and was responsible for 14 points for Flamengo in the first half alone. With a slew of three-pointers, the Pride of the Nation closed the quarter with a devastating 31-17.

With the introduction of Benite and Felício, the Rubro-Negro team gained new momentum, but on the other side was the Pioneros de Quintana Roo, visibly determined to turn the score around. Needing a win to qualify, the Mexicans settled in. Even with Herrmann converting everything he attempted, the home team prevailed in the second quarter. In a tightly contested period, the Mexican team closed at 30-23.

The Pioneers' comeback changed the pace of the game, and throughout the third quarter, Flamengo struggled to regain the same high performance as the first half. With the home team putting in a strong performance, fueled by their home fans, Flamengo turned the score around in a quarter that ended 23-9.

Seeing the team's performance decline, coach José Neto made another change to his squad, aiming to avoid repeating mistakes made during the third period. Determined to change the outcome, the Red-Blacks came out on top and, on a few occasions, had chances to take the lead again, but they always ran into the opposing goal. Despite winning the period 18-16, Flabasquete suffered their first loss of the competition, 86-81.

Even though they didn't manage to win, Orgulho da Nação ended this first phase of the LDA at the top of their group, followed by Pioneros de Quintana Roo.

1st Quarter: 31 to 17

2st Quarter: 23 to 30

3st Quarter: 9 to 23

4st Quarter: 18 to 16