Flamengo was defeated by Brasília 85-83 on Thursday night (20), at Maracanãzinho, in the eleventh round of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB). Even with the first defeat in the competition, the Pride of the Nation remains at the top of the standings, with 10 wins and one loss.

Those who went to Maracanãzinho this holiday witnessed a great game between two of the tournament's top teams. Historic rivals Flamengo and Brasília put on a high-level duel, well-played from start to finish. Flamengo started the game very well, but from the second quarter onwards, the visiting team evened the score and remained very close. The match headed towards its final minutes with a lot of excitement, lead changes, and a decisive atmosphere. In the end, however, the opponent was more decisive and managed to close the game with a victory. 

No time for lamenting: on Saturday, the Pride of the Nation already has an important commitment, against Rio Claro, again at Maracanãzinho, at 17 pm, for the 12th round of the NBB. Tickets are already available at ingressos.flamengo.com.br.

Highlights:

Cummings - 19 points

Gui Deodato - 18 points 

Negrete - 13 points 

Alexey - 9 points and 11 assists

The Game

1st Bedroom

Flamengo, riding an extremely positive streak, started the game in their usual dominant style. Alexey and Gui Deodato opened the scoring with two consecutive three-pointers, putting Flamengo up 6-0. Wesley and Shaq Johnson also capitalized on their first opportunities, extending the lead to 11-4. Brasília reacted and evened the score, tying it at 13-13, but Flamengo responded immediately: Markeith Cummings and Gui Deodato converted more three-pointers, putting the Mengão back in the lead, 19-13. Just like in the game against Pato, when he scored 30 points, Gui started strong and, with another three-pointer, reached 9 points in the first quarter alone. Dee Bost also made a long-range shot, bringing the score to 25-18. With an excellent 50% three-point shooting percentage (7/14), Flamengo controlled the quarter. End of the first quarter: 27 to 18.

2st quarter

The second quarter started with a lot of action, with both teams trading three-pointers in quick succession. As the quarter progressed, however, Brasília gained momentum and evened the score, reducing Flamengo's lead until the score was tied. The visiting team even managed to take the lead, making it 40-38, but Flamengo responded well in the final moments: they put together good attacks and regained the lead before halftime. End of the first half: 42-41 for Flamengo.

3st quarter

The third quarter began with the teams trading baskets at a slower pace than the average for the game so far, until Markeith Cummings broke the streak of low shooting with a three-pointer, putting the score at 48-45. Gui Deodato, still in inspired form, reappeared on the perimeter: another powerful shot to extend the lead to 53-48: his 15th point of the game. And he didn't stop there. On another attempt, Gui reached 18 points, bringing Flamengo to 58-54. The duel continued at a very high level, with Flamengo and Brasília alternating great plays in a back-and-forth period. In the final stretch of the period, Alex Negrete made the difference, scoring two consecutive baskets that opened up a 62-58 lead. Cummings also made his mark again, extending the lead to 64-58, before Flamengo closed the quarter ahead: 66-60.

4st quarter

The final quarter began with Brasília scoring four consecutive points, until Negrete responded with a three-pointer to keep Flamengo in the lead: 69-64. Shortly after, Markeith Cummings also hit from beyond the arc, forcing Brasília to call a timeout: 74-68. Negrete reappeared and brought the score to 78-72. Brasília responded quickly, and after another three-pointer, the difference narrowed to just two points: 81-79, with just over two minutes remaining on the clock. In the decisive moments, the visiting team was more efficient and managed to turn the game around, closing out the match 85-83 and ending Flamengo's previously undefeated run in the championship.

Next challenge

The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Saturday (22), to face Rio Claro, at 17 pm, at Maracanãzinho, for the twelfth round of the NBB. 

Starting Quintet

Alexey, Gui Deodato, Shaq Johnson, Markeith Cummings and Wesley Castro.

Coach: Sergio Hernandez.