Flamengo loses to Quimsa in the Champions League final
The competition, which was suspended in March, was decided on Friday night, in a single game, in Uruguay.
By Flamengo Regatta Club - inFlamengo lost the Champions League final, a competition that replaced the now-defunct Liga das Américas, to Quimsa (ARG), 92-86. The red-and-black team fought until the end and alternated in front on the scoreboard with the Argentine team during the duel, but the opponent opened up an advantage in the final moments and took the trophy.
The final was decided in a single game, on Friday night (30), in Uruguay, one year after Flamengo's debut in the tournament, which was paralyzed for seven months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Marquinhos was Flamengo's top scorer at Antel Arena, with 20 points. Franco Balbi led the team in rebounds (6) and assists (5).
The game
The match started very evenly, but after five minutes of the first quarter, Flamengo's possession stopped falling, and their opponents took advantage of the space they had to open up an advantage, prompting Gustavo De Conti to call a timeout to adjust their team. In the final three minutes of the period, the defense improved, and the Red-Blacks began scoring again, with Chuzito standing out. The quarter ended 27-19 for the Argentines. In the second period, three-pointers from Balbi and Hettsheimeir, along with a more consistent defense, led Flamengo to a 35-31 lead, but in the final minutes, Quimsa regained the lead, which stood at 50-43 at the end of the quarter. Gustavinho's team led by one point (23-24).
The match resumed in a tight fashion, and the Argentines opened up a larger lead thanks to a brilliant performance from Simpson. However, two beautiful shots from Marquinhos and five points from Hettsheimeir put Flamengo back on their heels (58-56). It was a free throw from Yago that put Flamengo back in front (58-59) with three minutes remaining. With Hettsheimeir and Mineiro, Mengão opened up a five-point lead, while the defense did its job very well. Flamengo was far superior throughout the period and won the set (13-25).
In the opening moments of the fourth quarter, Quimsa sank two three-pointers and took the lead, but Marquinhos soon followed suit, followed by Balbi (71-75). The match remained fiercely contested, with the teams taking turns leading the score. In the final minutes, Quimsa opened up an eight-point lead. Flamengo fought hard and closed the gap, but the Argentines held on to their advantage until the clock expired and won the final.