In the second game of the semifinals of the New Basketball Brazil (NBB), FlaBasquete went to Belo Horizonte and beat Minas 77-63 on Sunday night (15). The highlight of the match was point guard Yago with 18 points. If they win the third game of the series, next Tuesday (17), Orgulho da Nação will guarantee a place in the grand final of the competition.

The game
On the first attempt of the night, Dar Tucker hit a three-pointer and put Flamengo ahead in the opening seconds. Playing at home and with the support of their fans, Minas reacted quickly and managed to take the lead. Yago showed his calling card and converted a three-pointer. The Pride of the Nation moved the ball around on offense but missed some shots. The home team finished the first quarter ahead: 20-14.

In the second period, coach Gustavo de Conti sent Faverani, Balbi, and Olivinha onto the court. With two point guards, the red-and-black team had an easier time attacking. Balbi received the ball well and hit a three-pointer, shortening Minas' lead, which had reached ten points. Rafa Mineiro, from the right wing, tried for a three-pointer, but the ball fell. Minas remained ahead and went into halftime with a 38-30 lead.

The first shot of the third quarter fell to Mengão, who came roaring back. With a three-pointer from Brandon Robinson and two from Franco Balbi, Flamengo turned the tables in the opening minutes. Olivinha worked well in the paint, turning, and scoring two more for Flamengo with a hook shot. In the second half of the period, the game remained open, with both teams exchanging points. Dar Tucker received a pass from Mineiro in the paint, turned, and nailed two more. He was fouled but missed the free throw. With a one-point lead, Flamengo finished the period ahead: 50-49.

In the final quarter, Dar Tucker sped to the paint and delivered a beautiful dunk. With a well-positioned defense, Mengão forced mistakes from the Minas Gerais team. Rafa Mineiro received the ball on the perimeter and converted another three points for Mengão. The red-and-black team controlled the pace of the game very well, especially with Balbi. In the final minutes, "Pride of the Nation" didn't let the intensity wane and continued scoring. At a crucial moment in the quarter, Balbi hit his fourth three-pointer of the game.

In a great second half, FlaBasquete reversed the advantage on the scoreboard and left the court with a 77-63 victory. With the result, Mengão opened up a two-nil lead in the best-of-five series of the NBB semifinals.

Highlights
Yago – 18 points;
Rafa Mineiro – 13 points;
Franco Balbi – 12 points;
Brandon Robinson – 11 points.

Next appointment
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Tuesday (17) to face Minas again, at 20 pm, in Belo Horizonte, for the third game of the best-of-five series of the NBB semifinals

Starting Quintet
Yago, Lucas Martinez, Dar Tucker, Mineiro and JP Batista.
Coach: Gustavo de Conti.


The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo rely on resources from their sponsors – BRB, MOSS, TIM, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and State Incentive Law/State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure and Youth (Seelje) of Rio de Janeiro, in addition to support from the Brazilian Committee of Clubs (CBC).