Flamengo and Bauru will play the first game of the best-of-three series of the Novo Basquete Brasil 7 (NBB) finals next Tuesday (26.05), at 21:30 pm, at the HSBC Arena. After a very competitive championship, probably the most competitive in recent years, in which several teams fought for the top positions in the table, both teams arrive at the final games certain that they will fight until the last second for the title.

On the São Paulo side, Bauru enters the court after a hard-fought semifinal series against Mogi das Cruzes, decided in the final game of the best-of-five tournament. Leading the championship during the qualifying phase, the team from the interior of São Paulo arrives at the finals a little more worn out than the red-and-blacks, but no less dangerous, as they boast some of the best players in the NBB 7.

Meanwhile, Orgulho da Nação, which finished third in the qualifying round, reached the playoffs in excellent form. Playing what many consider to be perhaps Flamengo's best moment of the season, José Neto's men reached the finals after a blistering run in which the red-and-black team defeated Limeira 3-0, two of them at the São Paulo team's home ground.

Now, Flamengo and Bauru meet for the first time in an NBB final without a clear favorite. Of the 21 times the clubs have faced each other in the championship's history, Flamengo holds a clear advantage. Flamengo has 16 victories, compared to only five for the São Paulo team. Despite this, during NBB 7, Bauru won both meetings between the teams, in closely contested matches.

Regarding the history of meetings between the current finalists, the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved) has fared better in decisive moments. During the 2010/2011 season, the current finalists met in the quarterfinals, and the red-and-black team prevailed, closing out the series three games to one. This feat was repeated in the NBB 6, also in the quarterfinals, in the championship in which the "Pride of the Nation" achieved its third championship.

Flamengo and Bauru will certainly put on breathtaking matches, worthy of a championship that has been growing stronger with each season. With games already scheduled for May 26th (Rio de Janeiro) and May 30th (Marília), tickets for the match at HSBC Arena are now on sale. Find out how and where to buy by clicking here. Fan Member has discounts on tickets and exclusive benefits. If you're not yet a member of Nação Rubro-Negra, click here.

If a third and final game of the final is necessary, the match will also be held in the interior of São Paulo, on June 6th.