Flamengo beat Corinthians 85-82 on Thursday night (15), in Tijuca, and retook the lead in the best-of-five series of the NBB quarterfinals by 2-1. The next match will be on Sunday (18), at 10 am, at the Wlamir Marques gymnasium, in São Paulo. In case of victory, Rubro-Negro advances to the semifinal without the need for Game 5.

Tonight's match was marked by a feisty Flamengo. Even trailing for much of the game, the red-and-black team knew how to suffer and look for alternatives. In the fourth quarter, bolstered by its defense, the team turned the game around and never looked back. The victory was confirmed in front of a vibrant crowd at the Tijuca Tênis Clube. Highlights included the performance of top scorer Shaq Johnson, with 19 points, and Franco Balbi, who came off the bench to change the game. The Magician had 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Now, the red-and-black fans will be cheering from home on Saturday, when the Pride of the Nation goes to São Paulo for the first match point of the series. 

The game

1st Bedroom

Flamengo started the match at a high pace, fueled by the harmony between the court and the stands. The first few minutes were lively, with good offensive volume and efficient shooting—more than half of the points attempted were converted. Corinthians, however, managed to keep up with the red-and-black team's pace and, in the final moments, capitalized on small mistakes to open up a small lead. End of the first quarter: 25-22 to the São Paulo team.

2st Bedroom

Gui Deodato led Flamengo's offensive play at the start of the second half, dictating the team's pace. A three-pointer from Jordan Williams turned the tide and brought the stadium to life: 31-29 for the "Mais Querido" (The Most Beloved) at that point—also thanks to the team's defensive improvement. Despite the strong run, Corinthians regained control in the final minutes and went into the locker room with a 45-39 lead.

3st Bedroom

After halftime, Flamengo showed intensity and quickly reduced the lead. The third quarter was marked by a very evenly matched performance. At the end of the half, Flamengo kept the game alive and went into the final quarter trailing Corinthians by just three points: 67 to 64.

4st Bedroom

Flamengo returned for the final quarter determined to turn the game around—and they succeeded. Defending superbly, the team sealed the game and prevented Corinthians from creating shots. Opportunities arose on the other side of the court, and the Red-Blacks capitalized. A three-pointer by Franco Balbi put the "Mais Querido" (Team Favorite) ahead 74-69 with five minutes remaining. The final moments were thrilling, but Flamengo proved decisive and secured the 85-82 victory, opening up a 2-1 lead in the series.

Next appointment

Now, the Pride of the Nation returns to the court on Sunday (18), at 10 am, for the fourth game of the NBB quarterfinals, in São Paulo. 

Starting Quintet

Alexey, Shaq Johnson, Jordan Williams, Kayo Gonçalves and Lucas Siewert. 

Coach: Sergio Hernandez.