The Pride of the Nation took an important step toward winning the 2016 NBB CAIXA Championship. Playing at home, Mengão defeated Bauru, winning 2-1 in the final series, and now needs one more victory to lift the trophy. Cheered on by more than seven thousand red-and-black fans, José Neto's team controlled the score throughout the match and, despite their opponent's comeback in the final ten minutes, closed the game 89-84.

Highlights

Ronald Ramon - 21 points
Rafa Luz - six assists and six rebounds
Olivinha - six rebounds

1st bedroom

The match started with a bang. Encouraged by the Nation, Flamengo attacked Bauru with an intense, fast-paced game. Meyinsnse, Rafa Luz, and Marquinhos set the offensive tone for the Pride of the Nation with good aim and impressive baskets. By rotating the starting five, José Neto kept the team playing at the same pace for the first ten minutes. 26-20 to Flamengo.

2st bedroom

The second period saw alternating dominance. Early on, Orgulho da Nação dominated the game and opened up a ten-point lead. Bauru then regained control, scoring seven consecutive points, reducing the red-and-black lead to three. From that point on, the game became extremely even, back and forth. 

3st bedroom

The Pride of the Nation started the match better in the third period and opened up a lead. With four minutes remaining, Flamengo opened up a 12-point lead. The Mention continued to control the game throughout the period and, with a three-pointer from Ronald Ramon at zero, closed it out at 74-57.

4st bedroom

In the final period, Bauru went all out against Orgulho da Nação. With just over two minutes remaining, the lead was down to four points. The game remained tense. With 28 seconds remaining, Flamengo was up by just one point, and Bauru's Alex committed his fifth foul. Rafa Luz converted a free throw, and Mengão took a breather. On the next attack, Bauru made a mistake, the opponent fouled, and Ronald Ramon scored two points with ten seconds remaining. Despite the opponent's attempts, Flamengo sealed the victory and opened up a 2-1 lead in the series.

And now?

Mengão needs one win to lift the trophy. The next game takes place on Saturday (04), at 2:10 pm, in Marília. If the opponent equals the series again, the decision will take place in Rio de Janeiro, at Arena Carioca 14, on the 11th, also at 14:10 pm.

The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo adult basketball team relies on direct funding from its sponsors – SKY and Estácio – in addition to investments from Tim via the State Sports Incentive Law/State Secretariat for Sports, Leisure and Youth (ICMS).