Victory on the field and on the court! Playing away from home again, FlaBasquete beat Corinthians 82-70 on Thursday night (20), at Parque São Jorge, in the Wlamir Marques Gymnasium. The match was valid for the second round of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB). Gui Deodato was the highlight of the match with 17 points converted.

It is worth mentioning that, in football, Rubro-Negro also defeated the São Paulo team, on penalties, last Wednesday (19), and was crowned four-time champion of the Copa do Brasil.

The game
The derby between the Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo teams started evenly, with a fierce battle for possession. Hettsheimeir quickly showed his calling card, converting the game's first three-pointer. Corinthians also demonstrated precision on offense and scored. Vildoza and Cuello followed Hett's lead, hitting two consecutive three-pointers. In the final minutes of the first quarter, the São Paulo team stepped up their game and closed with a five-point lead: 27-22.

In the second period, Gui Deodato attempted a perimeter shot and converted another three-pointer for FlaBasquete. Mineiro tied the game with a three-pointer. The Pride of the Nation continued to have excellent three-point shooting. The red-and-black team worked well on attacking plays, passing the ball from hand to hand. Gui Deodato, who started the game very well, made a beautiful individual play and scored two more for Mengão, who recovered and finished ahead: 37-40.

After halftime, Corinthians converted a three-pointer and tied the match. Gui Deodato made a good drive and scored two more on a platter. The match remained evenly matched, with the teams exchanging points. Vildoza tried from the perimeter and converted another three points for Flamengo. A good play by the red-and-black team with Gabriel Jaú, who found Mineiro open to score two more. In the final second of the quarter, the Pride of the Nation took the lead: 61-62.

Ball in play for the final period. Cuello made the infiltration play and, on a platter, scored two more. The Pride of the Nation adopted a more aggressive defense to hinder Corinthians' infiltration plays. A good one-two between Olivinha and Mineiro, who dunked with style. Olivinha's second half was very good. The God of Race grew in the match at a crucial moment, helping the team both defensively and offensively. Jaú provided a beautiful assist to Cuello, who converted another three-pointer for Mengão with two minutes remaining.    

In the final minutes, Vildoza appeared in a clinical fashion and scored two more to increase the red-and-black advantage. Gui Deodato, the game's star player, received the ball in the dead zone in the final seconds and hit a three-pointer, just like Vildoza, to seal Mengão's second victory in the NBB: 70-82.

Highlights
Gui Deodato – 17 points;
Vildoza – 16 points;
Cuello – 14 points.

Starting Quintet
Vildoza, Cuello, Mineiro, Olivinha and Hettsheimeir.
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.

Next appointment
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Saturday (22) to face Pato Basquete, at 15 pm, at Sesi Pato Branco, for the third round of the first phase of the NBB.