Until the last basket, until the last game. This Saturday (1), Flamengo hosted Franca at Maracanãzinho for Game 4 of the final series of Novo Basquete Brasil 11. For their opponents, it was a chance to win the title thanks to their advantage in the series. For the Mais Querido, it was a fight for a draw to take the match back to their home. Playing very well from the start, the Rubro-Negro overcame the challenges, winning 76-62 with a show from Marquinhos and Varejão, and tying the race for the cup at 2-2.

Now the teams will meet again next Saturday (8), at 14:30 pm, at the Pedrocão gym. Far from Rio de Janeiro, Fla will seek its sixth title in the competition, potentially crowning a season of grit, fight and a lot of spirit.

The game

The first quarter was the tightest. Opening an eight-point lead in the opening minutes, Flamengo saw Franca improve after a timeout, but still fought hard, relying on the performance of Marquinhos and Olivinha to win 19-16.

The outlook didn't change much in the following quarter. While their opponents tried to adapt their style of play, Mengo dominated the action, but without opening up a large lead. The standout performers of the period were Varejão, Balbi, and, of course, the number 11, who managed to break the deadlock and help the Red-Blacks lead 33-27 at halftime.

Playing brilliantly, Varejão was instrumental in Flamengo opening up a lead in the third quarter. The number 17 scored 19 points and 6 rebounds, helping Flamengo finish the quarter with a 56-44 lead. In the final minutes, Rafael Mineiro and Franco Balbi also performed well, completing Flamengo's impressive performance. In the end, the score was 76-62, and Game 5 was secured.

Match Highlights:

Marquinhos: 25 points

Varejão: 19 points and 9 rebounds

Mineiro: 10 points

Balbi: 8 points and 6 rebounds

Olivinha: 6 points and 10 rebounds