Flamengo was defeated by Brasília 89-87 on Monday night (23), away from home, in another balanced duel for the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB). With the result, Mais Querido now has 25 wins in 32 games and remains in third place in the national competition.

In a match marked by alternating periods of dominance and high intensity, Flamengo started better and even took a lead in the first quarter, before the home team evened the score. In the second period, Brasília improved and took control of the scoreboard, but Flamengo returned to form after the break, narrowed the gap, and entered the final quarter still in contention. In the final minutes, the team even managed to turn the game around with decisive three-pointers, but the match remained neck and neck until the final seconds, when Brasília proved more efficient and secured the victory by one possession.

Now, the Most Beloved prepares for its next commitment in the NBB. The championship takes a break this weekend for the All-Star Game, and the Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Tuesday (31), to face União Corinthians, away from home, at 20:10 pm.

The Game

 

1st Bedroom

The game started at an intense and very balanced pace. Shaq Johnson and Cummings opened the scoring for Flamengo, while Gui Deodato and Franco Baralle, celebrating his birthday, punished from beyond the arc to put Flamengo ahead 10-6. The teams continued trading baskets in a high-level duel. Cummings, with another three-pointer, extended the lead to 17-12, maintaining a high shooting percentage. Baralle appeared again, bringing the score to 20-14, and then converted his third consecutive three-pointer, igniting the game: 23-17. Even with Flamengo's good moment, Brasília reacted in the final minutes, and the first quarter ended tied at 23-23.

2st Bedroom

The second quarter began with Kayo Gonçalves taking charge: three consecutive three-pointers, totaling his first nine points of the game and putting Flamengo ahead 32-31, forcing Brasília to call a timeout. After the timeout, however, the home team returned more focused, improved their game, and began to control the action, opening up a 43-35 lead. Brasília continued their momentum and even built an 11-point advantage. In the final stretch of the period, Flamengo reacted. Baralle converted from beyond the arc, and then, after a ball recovery, Gui Deodato also hit a three-pointer, reducing the difference to five points and putting Flamengo back in the game. Even so, the quarter ended favorably for Brasília, who went into halftime leading 51-44.

3st Bedroom

Flamengo returned from halftime with Gui Deodato converting a three-pointer on his first possession. Cummings then scored two consecutive baskets, reducing the deficit to 54-51. The Flamengo power forward continued to excel, scoring six points on three made shots, bringing his total to 11. Shaq Johnson, from the corner, also scored, preventing Brasília from pulling away: 59-56 for the home team. However, the opponent managed a five-point run and regained the lead, reaching 64-56. In the final stretch, Flamengo rallied again. Baralle converted from beyond the arc, crowning Flamengo's comeback in the quarter and keeping them alive in the game. With a strong recovery, Flamengo finished the period trailing by only one point: 64-63.

4st quarter

Brasília returned for the final quarter with a strong pace and, in a few minutes, reopened the lead: 71-63. Flamengo, however, did not give up. Jhonatan fought for possession, recovered the ball and converted it himself, starting the comeback: 71-65. The team continued to grow in the game. Baralle went inside and scored two more, bringing the difference to just one point and putting Flamengo back in the game. In the final stretch, the game heated up. Gui Deodato hit a three-pointer and made it 77-75 with two minutes remaining. Shortly after, again from the corner, the forward converted another three-pointer and turned the game around: 78-77 for Flamengo. The confrontation remained electrifying, with constant changes in the score. In the final seconds, the teams began to exchange strategic fouls and points at the free-throw line. Flamengo fought until the last moment, but ended up being defeated 89-87 in a duel decided by the details.

Next challenge

The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Tuesday (31), to face União Corinthians, away from home, at 20:10 pm, for the NBB.

Starting Quintet

Franco Baralle, Shaq Johnson, Gui Deodato, Cummings and Wesley.

Coach: Sergio Hernandez.