Flamengo defeated Bauru 88-84 on Sunday afternoon at the Panela de Pressão gymnasium in the interior of São Paulo state, in a match valid for the penultimate round of the NBB qualifying phase. With the victory, the Rubro-Negro secured second place overall in the first phase, guaranteeing home-court advantage in all playoff series—except in a potential final against Minas Gerais, the competition's leader.

Alexey Borges was a standout – always him. A key player in leading Flamengo on the court, the red-and-black point guard finished the game with 24 points and 7 assists, playing a key role in creating offensive plays and controlling the team's rhythm. In addition to his impressive scoring output, he led the team in efficiency with 23 points and shot 54,5%. Shaq Johnson also had an inspired night, scoring 16 points. 

Sergio Hernández's team still faces Franca in the final round of the regular season, but this match is merely a fixture, as the top spots are already decided. From now on, Flamengo prepares for the decisive stretch of the season: on the 18th and 19th, they will compete in the BCLA Final Four, and immediately afterward, they will begin their run in the NBB playoffs.

Tickets for the four Final Four games are now on sale, and Flamengo is counting on the support of the nation in the stands as they seek another international title. It's time for Flamengo fans to secure their seats and be part of another remarkable chapter in FlaBasquete's history. Flamengo fans can buy tickets at ingressos.flamengo.com.br; other fans can buy tickets at futebolcard.com.

Highlights

Alexey - 24 points and 7 assists

Shaq Johnson - 16 points 

Ruan Miranda - 11 points 

1st Bedroom

Just like in the match against Brasília, Flamengo left behind its reputation of starting games off its best and took to the court with full intensity. Flamengo dominated from the opening minutes, dominating the rebounds and accelerating in transition, which facilitated offensive play. Active on defense and efficient on offense, the team opened up a 21-10 lead. In the final minutes of the period, Bauru managed to slow Flamengo's momentum, reacting defensively, and cutting the deficit to 21-17. Even so, Flamengo dominated the quarter.

2st Bedroom

The second period started off very close, with both teams exchanging shots and maintaining an intense pace—sometimes too much so. Flamengo led throughout, but failed to create a significant lead. The back-and-forth ended when forward Jordan Williams, one of the red-and-blacks' standouts of the season, took charge and scored six consecutive points, including a beautiful shot from the perimeter. The sequence gave Flamengo a seven-point lead: 45-38. In the final stretch of the period, Sergio Hernández deployed a smaller five on the court, with Balbi and Alexey together, plus two wingers. With speed as a hallmark, the red-and-black small-ball team took the game to halftime with a partial 51-41 lead. 

3st Bedroom

The third quarter was marked by Flamengo's consistency, maintaining its rhythm and remaining in control of the game. Without needing to overexert themselves, the team managed the first-half lead and won the fourth quarter 19-16, extending the lead by another three points. In total, 70-57 for the "Mais Querido" (The Most Beloved).

4st Bedroom

The final period followed the same pattern as the third: Flamengo controlled the action, slowing the pace, and intelligently working the clock. In the final stretch, Bauru staged a comeback by hitting a series of three-pointers and applying pressure with tactical fouls, forcing Flamengo to the free-throw line. But Bauru remained composed: Jhonatan Luz secured a crucial rebound, and Alexey converted a decisive free throw to seal the team's sixth consecutive victory in the NBB: Flamengo 88 x 84 Bauru.

Next challenge

The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Tuesday (15) to face Franca, at 20 pm, in the interior of São Paulo, for the last round of the regular phase of the NBB

Starting Quintet

Alexey, Shaq Johnson, Jordan Williams, Kayo Gonçalves and Ruan Miranda.

Coach: Sergio Hernandez.