Flamengo was defeated by Franca by 85 to 78, on Tuesday night (27), at Tijuca Tênis Clube, in the game that marked the second match of the best-of-five series of the semifinals of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB). Now, Mais Querido turns its attention to the third clash between the teams, next Thursday (29), at 20 pm, at the same Tijuca. 

The match followed the series' pattern so far in terms of excitement. Flamengo started well, but Franca prevailed from the end of the first quarter until halftime. After the break, the Mais Querido evened the score, and from then on, the two teams traded blows. The game was open until the final minute, with numerous lead changes, but Franca prevailed and tied the series at 1-1.

Tickets for Game 3 are now on sale, fans. Be the sixth man and help push FlaBasquete to the NBB finals. Visit ingressos.flamengo.com.br and secure yours now! 

The Game

1st Bedroom

Tuesday's match began as the first game of the series did, with a flawless offensive performance by Flamengo. The red-and-black team converted its first four attacking possessions into points and opened up its first lead of the match. Franca also found solutions on offense and took the lead throughout the quarter. Jordan Williams, with 11 points in the first ten minutes of the match, was the standout for Mengão. At the end of the quarter, Franca led 26-21.

2st Bedroom

The second half began with Flamengo eager to regain control. Two strong defensive possessions and baskets by Franco Balbi and Gui Deodato gave the game a one-point lead in the first minute of the fourth quarter. As the half progressed, Franca again dominated the action, but just when it seemed the team from the interior of São Paulo would open up, Alexey's star shined. The point guard knocked down a three-pointer and then decisively disarmed his opponent, saved the ball out, and set up Siewert for another three-pointer, forcing Franca to take a timeout. After a first half of ups and downs, the teams went into the locker room with Franca leading 40-36.

3st Bedroom

The second half started off with a bang. Flamengo tied the game early on. From there, the teams continued to trade blows. Flamengo tied the game, Franca responded. Franca opened up, Flamengo closed in. And it was at this pace that Flamengo took the lead for the first time since the third minute of play. By the end of the quarter, Franca had regained the lead: 64-59.

4st Bedroom

The game was back and forth. With 7:30 remaining, Shaq Johnson scored a beautiful layup and gave Flamengo the lead back to 65-64. With each possession, the teams alternated the lead. The game was open until the final minute, but Franca hit the final shot and won the match 85-78. The best-of-five series was tied at 1-1.

Next appointment

Now, the Pride of the Nation returns to the court on Thursday (29), to face Franca, at 20 pm, for the third game of the NBB semifinal, at Tijuca Tênis Clube. Secure your ticket!

Starting Quintet

Alexey, Shaq Johnson, Jordan Williams, Kayo Gonçalves and Ruan Miranda. 

Coach: Sergio Hernandez.