Flamengo beat São José 78-74 on Saturday night (24), at Maracanãzinho, in the opening of the Super 8 Cup, an elimination tournament that brings together the eight best placed teams from the first round of the NBB. With the result, the Pride of the Nation guarantees a place in the semifinals of the short-format competition and awaits the winner of the match between Minas and Corinthians to find out its next opponent.

The semi-final already has a venue, date and time set: it will be next Tuesday (27), at 19 pm, again at Maracanãzinho.

Gui Deodato was the star of the game, scoring 17 points and being decisive from the start. Shaq Johnson, with 12 points, and Gueiros, with 11, also had important performances in a game marked by balance, intensity, and a typical knockout atmosphere.

After a subpar first quarter, Flamengo improved in the second, turned the game around before halftime, and built a comfortable lead that held throughout the match. São José rallied in the second half, adding excitement to the game, but Flamengo showed maturity and secured their qualification in front of the world's largest fan base.

Now, the Most Beloved turns its attention to the Super 8 Cup semi-final. Tickets for Tuesday's (27) match have a 50% discount on the price, with the coupon “EUVOU50” redeemed at ingressos.flamengo.com.br.

Highlights

Gui Deodato – 17 points

Shaq Johnson – 12 points

Gueiros – 11 points

The Game

1st Bedroom

Flamengo started the game sharp. Right from the first possession, Gui Deodato converted a three-pointer, setting the offensive tone for the beginning of the game. Gueiros and Alex Negrete also scored in the first few minutes. As the quarter progressed, São José managed to balance the action, slowed down Flamengo's pace, and took advantage of an irregular end to the quarter by the home team to finish the first ten minutes ahead: 21 to 19.

2st Bedroom

With the entry of the second unit, formed by Franco Baralle, Shaq Johnson, and Kayo Gonçalves, Flamengo regained control of the game. The team opened the period with a 12-3 run, turned the score around to 31-24, and forced the opponent to call a timeout. Even after São José's attempted comeback, Flamengo kept their foot on the gas, largely driven by Gui Deodato, and reached a ten-point advantage. With a solid defense and consistent performance, Flamengo went into halftime leading 45-33.

3st Bedroom

Flamengo's good run continued after halftime. Markeith Cummings opened the quarter with a three-pointer and then delivered a beautiful dunk. Gui Deodato continued to punish from beyond the arc, bringing the score to 14-5 and extending the lead to 21 points: 59-38. São José reacted, won the rest of the quarter, and managed to reduce the difference. At the end of the quarter, Flamengo remained ahead: 67-57.

4st Bedroom

The final period was intense, physical, and balanced, befitting an elimination game. São José closed the gap and even managed to reduce the difference to five points. At the most crucial moment of the game, Franco Baralle converted a decisive three-pointer, restoring tranquility to Flamengo. The match remained competitive until the final minute, but the Pride of the Nation managed to maintain the advantage and secured a 78-74 victory, guaranteeing a spot in the Super 8 Cup semifinals.

Next challenge

Flamengo returns to the court next Tuesday (27), at 19 pm, at Maracanãzinho, to face the winner of the duel between Minas and Corinthians, for the semifinal of the Super 8 Cup.

Starting Quintet

Gueiros, Alex Negrete, Gui Deodato, Markeith Cummings and Lucas Doria.

Coach: Sergio Hernandez.