Flamengo beat Caxias do Sul 80-77 on Tuesday night (29), at Tijuca Tênis Clube, and opened 2-1 in the best-of-five series of the NBB round of 2. With the result, Mais Querido is one victory away from securing a place in the quarterfinals of the competition - which could come this coming Friday (XNUMX), away from home.

The match was tight at the beginning, but Flamengo took control in the second quarter and maintained its lead until the end. Ruan Miranda was the standout performer in the red-and-black victory, with a double-double of 25 points and 13 rebounds. The match was tight at the end, but Flamengo proved decisive and secured the victory in front of its home crowd. Game 4 of the series will be next Friday (2), in Caxias do Sul, at 20 pm, with broadcast on SporTV and FlaTV+. If necessary, the fifth and decisive clash will be played in Rio de Janeiro, on Monday (5).

The game

1st Bedroom

The first quarter was evenly matched from start to finish. Both teams played a slow pace in the opening minutes, with poor shooting. After five minutes, the score was 6-6. In the second half, the game picked up pace. Caxias scored two baskets, but Flamengo responded with a three-pointer from Kayo and two points from Ruan after an offensive rebound. Balbi tied the score at 14-14 with a shot from the perimeter. In the final minutes, Shaq Johnson scored two points, was fouled, and converted a free throw, securing the Flamengo lead at the end of the quarter: 22-19. 

2st Bedroom

The second quarter began with the same level of play as the first ten minutes – the teams remained close until midway through the period. Following a Jordan Williams three-pointer from the dead zone, Flamengo began a dominant run. With strong defensive possessions and efficient offensive use, the team opened up a 13-point lead with just over two minutes remaining. Jordan, with 8 points, and Ruan, with 7, stood out in the quarter, which ended with Flamengo holding a 15-point lead at halftime: 48-33.

3st Bedroom

After halftime, Caxias tried to rally and close the gap. The opposing team managed to create some good moments throughout the period, but Flamengo controlled the match. Whenever Caxias attempted a comeback, the red-and-black team responded quickly and maintained its advantage. The third quarter ended with Flamengo still ahead: 61-52.

4st Bedroom

In the final quarter, Caxias managed to close the gap, which had been double-digit for much of the game. However, in the final minutes, Flamengo once again asserted itself defensively. With good defensive possession and efficient attack, especially with Ruan Miranda appearing in decisive moments, the Rubro-Negro held off the opposing comeback and secured victory in the third game of the series. Final score: Flamengo 80-77.

Next challenge

The Pride of the Nation returns to the court on Friday (2), to face Caxias do Sul again, at 20 pm, at the Sesi gym, for what could be the fourth and decisive game of the NBB round of XNUMX.

Starting Quintet

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

Coach: Sergio Hernandez.