Flamengo ended the NBB qualifying phase with a 97-91 defeat to Franca on Tuesday night (15), at the Pedrocão gymnasium. The result, in turn, did not bring any losses to Mais Querido. With 26 wins and only 8 losses throughout the 34 rounds of the regular season, Flamengo secured second place in the table - a position confirmed in the previous round, against Bauru. 

With this, the team led by Sérgio Hernández will have the advantage of home court in the playoffs until a possible final, except in a possible clash with Minas, the competition's leader.

Now, all attention turns to the Final Four of the Champions League Americas. The rematch with Franca already has a set date: Friday (18), at 21:10 pm, at Maracanãzinho. The match is worth a spot in the big continental final, on Saturday.

Fans, it's time to push Mengão to the BCLA final! Tickets are now on sale—get yours and come be a part of this historic moment with the Nation. Flamengo fans can buy tickets at ingressos.flamengo.com.br; other fans can buy tickets at futebolcard.com.

1st Bedroom

The game started at a fast pace, with both teams sharp on three-pointers. Franca started better, with good perimeter use, but Flamengo responded in kind. Kayo Gonçalves and Jordan Williams excelled with long shots, while Ruan dominated the paint, fighting for rebounds and scoring from the free throw line. The quarter remained evenly matched, evenly matched, with the score close. In the final stretch, Gui Deodato hit a three-pointer that gave Mais Querido their first comfortable lead. By the end of the first quarter, Flamengo had asserted itself and closed ahead: 27-23.

2st Bedroom

Flamengo maintained its momentum in the second quarter and extended its lead early with two more points from Gui Deodato, who remained the main offensive standout. Exploiting the absence of center Wesley, Flamengo relied on driving and forcing fouls from Franca's defense, securing important points at the free throw line. Despite the tight match, Franca managed to tie the score before halftime, but Gui again emerged with a decisive three-pointer, reclaiming the lead for Mengão and reaching 13 individual points. With their opponents maxing out their fouls with more than five minutes remaining, Flamengo capitalized on every trip to the free throw line. Late in the period, Ruan Miranda still lifted the crowd with a dunk after a beautiful assist from Alexey. The game went into halftime with Flamengo ahead: 56-55.

3st Bedroom

The third period was a difficult one for Flamengo. Early on, Taya Gallizzi committed her fourth foul and had to leave the court, compromising the team's physical presence in the paint. Without their center, Flamengo struggled defensively and saw Franca grow in the match. The opposing team took the lead and managed to build a lead throughout the period. At the end of the third quarter, Flamengo went into the final 10 minutes trailing 81-71.

4st Bedroom

In the final period, Flamengo fought back and fought for the result until the final minutes. In a less active quarter offensively—with only 36 points scored—the Red-Blacks won the period 20-16, but it wasn't enough to overturn the deficit they'd built up earlier. In the end, Franca won 97-91. Flamengo finished the NBB qualifying round in second place and now fully focuses on the BCLA Final Four.

Next challenge

The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Friday (18) to face Franca, at 21:10 pm, at Maracanãzinho, for the BCLA Final Four

Starting Quintet

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

Coach: Sergio Hernandez.