Flabasquete traveled to Limeira, in the interior of São Paulo state, to face the current leaders of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB). In one of the best matches of the championship, both teams showed commitment and a desire to win throughout, but in the final moments, the defending champions were defeated.

Flamengo's next game takes place on Tuesday (January 13.01), against Bauru, at the HSBC Arena. The Rubro-Negro is counting on the strength of the Nation to fill the gym and regain victory in the NBB. Tickets are already on sale on the website. Fast Entry. Fan club members get a 50% discount on tickets. Not a Nação Rubro-Negra member yet? Click here and help Flamengo become even stronger.

The red-and-black team started the game better, unfazed by the São Paulo fans who were cheering the home team on. Marquinhos was the first to score with a two-point shot, and for much of the early part of the match, the Pride of the Nation held the lead. With a frenetic pace, the São Paulo team turned the game around and, even with forwards Herrmann and Marquinhos in excellent form, closed the first half 20-16.

With their fans roaring and leading the scoreboard, the São Paulo team opened up a 12-point lead in the second quarter. Aware of the game's momentum, Pride of the Nation coach José Neto called a timeout and made changes to the lineup. With the modified lineup, Flamengo came back strong, closing the gap. Strong performances from centers Felício and Meyinsse kept Flamengo down to just five points, but Limeira grew again in the game and ended the first half with a 44-35 lead.

The resumption of play in the third quarter didn't slow the pace. With heated emotions and great plays from both sides, the game remained fairly even. For the red-and-black side, Felício once again stood out, but the team struggled with Limeira's good three-pointers. To make matters worse, Marcelinho committed his second technical foul of the match and was ejected. But the Pride of the Nation was determined to turn the score around. With plenty of excitement, the Red-and-Black team closed the third quarter at 19-18.

Flamengo and Limeira were playing one of the closest matches of the season, and the final period was no different. Determined to turn the score around, José Neto's men went on the attack. Marquinhos kept shooting three-pointers and scoring, making him the game's top scorer. Limeira also had one of its players subbed out, which further pushed the red-and-black team to attack. But despite winning the fourth quarter 19-16, the Pride of the Nation couldn't overcome the home team, who closed the game 78-73.

Partials:
1st Quarter: 16 to 20
2st Quarter: 19 to 24
3st Quarter: 19 to 18
4st Quarter: 19 to 16