Flamengo was defeated by Minas 93-86 on Monday night (6), at Maracanãzinho, in the first of two home games for the team this week in the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB). With the defeat, Mais Querido remains in fifth place in the tournament, with 25 wins and 10 losses in 35 games.

In a balanced duel from start to finish, Flamengo managed to impose themselves in the first quarter and closed the period with an advantage. In the second period, the Rubro-Negro improved collectively, opening up a 10-point lead, but saw Minas react before halftime and reduce the difference. Upon returning from the locker room, Flamengo maintained control of the game with a great performance from Baralle and good three-point shooting, even with the visitors closing in on them in the final stretch of the quarter. In the final period, Flamengo remained ahead for much of the time, but ended up suffering a comeback in the decisive minutes, with Minas securing the victory.

Now, the Pride of the Nation prepares to face Cruzeiro, still at Maracanãzinho, this Wednesday (8). Secure your ticket at ingressos.flamengo.com.br

The Game

1st Bedroom

Flamengo started behind on the scoreboard after Minas opened with a three-pointer from Arengo, building an initial 7-2 lead. Flamengo responded with Negrete, first with a layup and then with a three-pointer, narrowing the gap. The game remained balanced, with constant back-and-forth baskets. After Minas made it 12-7, Flamengo reacted and tied the score at 12-12. The turnaround came shortly after, with Baralle converting from beyond the arc and putting Flamengo ahead 15-12. The duel remained intense, with the teams alternating the lead. Negrete again performed well, scoring from mid-range to put Flamengo ahead 20-17. Minas regained the lead at 23-22, but Flamengo closed the first quarter ahead 24-23.

2st Bedroom

The second quarter began with the same intensity as the first, with the teams trading baskets and Flamengo maintaining the lead. The period also marked Igor Andrade's professional debut, and the youngster made his mark with a three-pointer from the corner. Flamengo improved collectively and opened up a 10-point lead: 43 to 33. In the final stretch, Minas still showed signs of a comeback and reduced the difference, but Flamengo went into halftime winning 44 to 39.

3st Bedroom

Flamengo returned from halftime with Franco Baralle leading the offensive actions. The point guard opened the scoring for the red-and-black team and then scored two more points, bringing the score to 48-40. In a great start to the quarter, Baralle continued as the protagonist and, with a three-pointer, extended the lead to 56-44. Energized, Flamengo maintained the rhythm, with Shaq Johnson and Alex Negrete converting three-pointers in succession, making it 62-50. In the final stretch, Minas improved their game and managed to reduce the difference. Even so, Flamengo held onto the lead and finished the third quarter ahead: 68-65.

4st Bedroom

The final period began with Franco Baralle making a decisive play: the point guard converted a three-pointer and then hit another three-pointer, putting Flamengo ahead 71-65. Cummings also scored a three-pointer, extending the lead to 74-67. Minas reacted and closed the gap after another three-pointer, making it 76-74 and leaving the game wide open. Wesley appeared with an important dunk to bring Flamengo to 78-74. However, Minas rallied at the end, turned the game around, and pulled away in the decisive minutes, securing a 93-86 victory at Maracanãzinho.

Next challenge

The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Wednesday (8), to face Cruzeiro, at Maracanãzinho, at 18:30 pm, for the NBB.

Starting Quintet

Franco Baralle, Shaq Johnson, Alex Negrete, Cummings and Wesley.

Coach: Sergio Hernandez.