Flamengo beat São José 79-70 on Friday night (13), at Maracanãzinho, in the team's return to the NBB after the Super 8 competitions and the end of the BCLA qualifying phase. With the result, Mais Querido reaches 21st victory in 25 games in the national competition and regains the lead.

In front of the world's largest fan base, Flamengo delivered a consistent performance, controlling the game from start to finish, imposing defensive intensity and offensive efficiency in crucial moments. Gui Deodato, a decisive player coming off the bench, along with Shaq Johnson and Franco Baralle, were the standouts of the night. Flamengo built an advantage in the first half, managed to stifle the opponent's attempts to react, and controlled the score with maturity to secure a 79-70 victory.

Now, Mais Querido travels to São Paulo, where it faces Rio Claro on Monday (16). Following that, it returns to Rio de Janeiro for two matches at Maracanãzinho: against Franca, on Thursday, and Bauru, on Saturday, in a double round valid for the NBB.

The Game

1st Bedroom

Flamengo started the game imposing their rhythm, especially on defense. Right from the first possessions, Negrete effectively contested the opponent's shot, forcing a miss and setting the tone for Flamengo's intensity. On offense, Flamengo's first points came from Franco Baralle, who made a quality drive to open the scoring. Shortly after, Wesley showed opportunism by stealing the ball and speeding towards the dunk: 4-3 Flamengo. The Flamengo center continued his decisive play with a beautiful block on defense, leading to two points for Shaq Johnson on the fast break. Fueled by another defensive stoppage, Shaq scored again, extending the lead to 11-5. With good offensive movement, Negrete found Manel open to dunk unmarked. A little later, Gueiros delivered a perfect set for Manel to complete the alley-oop, sending the crowd into raptures. Coming off the bench, Gui Deodato entered with a calibrated hand and converted a three-pointer that brought the score to 18-9, forcing the opponent to call a timeout. Gui continued to decisively impact the game, scoring 11 points in the first quarter alone. Maintaining the intensity until the end of the period, Flamengo confirmed their overwhelming dominance and closed the quarter with a lead: 31-17. A consistent performance on both ends of the court.

2st Bedroom

The second quarter began at a slower pace, with both teams struggling to convert their shots in the first few minutes. After this period of lack of offensive inspiration, Flamengo regained control of the game. Baskets from Cummings and Wesley put the Rubro-Negro back in control, extending their lead to 40-23. Cummings then converted from the three-point line and Manel attacked the basket well to add two more points, maintaining the team's momentum: 45-28. Shaq Johnson also contributed with two important baskets, bringing the score to 49-32 and consolidating Flamengo's superiority in the quarter. In the final minutes before halftime, São José attempted a comeback and managed to reduce the deficit. Even so, Flamengo went into the locker room with a lead: 50-38.

3st Bedroom

The third quarter, like the second, began with both teams struggling offensively. Then Cummings, from the three-point line, opened the scoring for Flamengo in the period. Franco Baralle then scored two more points. When São José managed to take the lead in the quarter, Gui Deodato immediately responded with a three-pointer, putting Flamengo back in the lead at 8-7. Overall, Flamengo remained in control, holding the lead. Towards the end of the period, Shaq Johnson converted an important three-pointer that stopped another attempt at a comeback by the opposition and gave the team some breathing room. At the end of the third quarter, Flamengo maintained a ten-point advantage: 64-54.

4st quarter

Franco Baralle opened the scoring in the final quarter. Shortly after, Gui Deodato hit a mid-range shot, extending the lead to 68-56. The Flamengo defense, consistent throughout almost the entire game, was even more efficient in the final stretch. A series of good defensive possessions ended with a three-pointer from Kayo Gonçalves from the corner: 71-57. Then, Baralle scored again from three-point range, bringing the score to 74-61. With three minutes remaining, Alex Negrete converted two points with a foul, extending the lead to 77-62 and putting the victory in a very good position. In the final minutes, Flamengo managed the advantage safely and confirmed the triumph at Maracanãzinho: 79-70.

Next challenge

The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Monday (16), in Rio Claro, to face the home team, at 18 pm, for the NBB.

Starting Quintet

Baralle, Shaq Johnson, Alex Negrete, Markeith Cummings and Wesley.

Coach: Sergio Hernandez.