Flamengo loses to Elite G-League 87-83 in the NBA G-League International Challenge
Mais Querido faces Elite Uruguay in the third place dispute
By Romulo Paranhos - inIn the NBA G-League International Challenge semifinal, Flamengo returned to the court on Saturday night (21) and was defeated by the G-League Elite Team by 87 to 83. Marquinhos was the red-black highlight in the match with 24 points, six rebounds and five assists. With the result, Mais Querido will compete for third place against Elite Uruguay.
The Pride of the Nation started the game strong. Strong on defense and efficient on offense, Flamengo opened the scoring with two three-pointers in the opening minutes. The G-League team struggled to organize its offensive plays and missed shots due to a well-positioned Flamengo defense. But during the fourth quarter, the North American team managed to even the score and tied the game, finishing the first quarter 14-14. Marquinhos, with seven points, was the Flamengo's standout performer in the fourth.
With the match tied, the G-League opened up a small lead early in the second quarter, but Mengão quickly recovered and leveled the score. As the period progressed, the game became more dynamic, with quick transitions from defense to offense and exchanges of points on both sides. With three minutes remaining in the first half, the Americans managed to open up a lead and finish ahead 41-33.
The Pride of the Nation reacted quickly at the start of the third quarter and, with three-pointers from Marquinhos and Mineiro, managed to regain the lead. Mengão, very strong in the fourth, managed to create penetrative plays and convert points. Mineiro was having an inspired night and contributed accurate baskets, as did Marquinhos, who had 18 points. Fla ended up with a 66-60 lead.
In the final quarter, the G-League came back stronger and quickly took the lead. Flamengo's shots were relentless, allowing the North American team to extend their lead. With a three-pointer from Zach Graham, the Mais Querido (Flamengo) came back into the game. Mengão was valiant until the end and played evenly, but the North American team won the match 87-83.
This Sunday (22), at 16 pm, Flamengo faces Elite Uruguay in the dispute for third place in the NBA G-League International Challenge.
The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo receive funding from their sponsors – BRB, TIM, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, and EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and the State Incentive Law/Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat of Sports, Recreation, and Youth (Seelje), in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC) resulting from the decentralization of resources generated by the Pelé Law. The Anjo da Guarda Rubro-Negro Project, a personal tax transfer, benefits all Olympic sports of the Most Beloved.