This Monday (8), in the group stage of the Basketball Champions League Americas, Flamengo achieved a spectacular comeback and defeated Instituto (ARG) by 78 to 77, at Arena Minas, in Belo Horizonte-MG. The red-black team's top scorer in the match was Chuzito with 13 points.

The game
FlaBasquete's first points of the first quarter came from Hettsheimeir, a three-pointer. The game started evenly, with both teams trading points on offense but also missing some shots. Instituto was quick on the offensive transitions and managed to open up a 24-13 lead in the opening period.

Early in the second quarter, Martinez hit a three-pointer for Flamengo. The Argentine team was defending heavily, making it difficult for Flamengo to create offensive plays. Underwhelming, Flamengo struggled to stop Instituto's attack. In the final minutes of the quarter, Hettsheimeir, Yago, and Balbi converted three-pointers for Flamengo. Even so, Instituto finished the quarter with a twelve-point lead: 49 to 37.

FlaBasquete came back more focused in the third quarter and managed to convert two three-pointers. Despite the improvement on the court, the red-and-black team still struggled to find its footing, and Instituto maintained its advantage. Martinez, Léo Demétrio, and Balbi hit three consecutive threes, helping Fla close the gap to four. Chuzito's three-pointer gave Mengão the lead for the first time in the game. In the final seconds, the team from Córdoba scored and took the lead again: 67-64.

In the fourth quarter, Yago capitalized on a layup and scored two more for Orgulho da Nação. Chuzito then made two free throws and another three-pointer, helping Mengão open up a four-point lead. But Instituto quickly reacted and once again took the lead. In the final minutes, the game became electrifying, with both teams wasting numerous shots on offense. "Mais Querido," with a lot of grit and technical skill, pulled off a heroic comeback with two free throws converted by Olivinha in the final seconds, securing a crucial victory in the Basketball Champions League Americas: 78-77.

Highlights:
Chuzito – 13 points;
Olivinha – 11 points and 10 rebounds.

And now?
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court this Tuesday (09) to face Minas, at 17:40 pm, again at Arena Minas.

Starting Quintet
Franco Balbi, Chuzito, Marquinhos, Olivinha and Hettsheimeir.