In another away match for the NBB, FlaBasquete lost to São Paulo 77-75 on Thursday night (7), at the Morumbi gymnasium. The home team remained ahead on the scoreboard throughout the game. In the last period, Orgulho da Nação sought a reaction and reduced the difference to two points, but was unable to turn the score around and ended up suffering its second defeat in the competition.

1st Bedroom
Playing at home, São Paulo started the fourth quarter with a strong pace and opened up a lead. Flamengo's first three-pointer came from Jhonatan Luz. In the final stretch of the period, the red-and-black team improved its shooting efficiency and closed the deficit to seven points. The home team closed the period at 25-18.


2st Bedroom
In the opening minute of the second quarter, Jordan Williams worked the ball well in the paint and scored his first two points of the game. The Pride of the Nation came back stronger and managed to cut the deficit to just three points. Just as São Paulo was opening up a lead again, Kayo Gonçalves hit a three-pointer and put Mengão back in the game. Franco Balbi, from the dead zone, received an open shot and also converted from the perimeter. Almost from half court, the Argentine point guard scored another three-pointer. With that, the red-and-black team stayed on São Paulo's heels, which finished ahead by just two points: 38-36.  


3st Bedroom
After halftime, São Paulo continued to shoot well from three-point range. Flamengo, on the other hand, tried to develop offensive plays to convert points, but struggled to find effective shooting. The match remained evenly matched, with both teams trading points. However, Flamengo maintained the advantage and closed the period at 58-53.


4st Bedroom
In the final quarter, the Pride of the Nation came back more focused and tied the match early on. Kayo Gonçalves received a free kick in the dead zone and converted another three-pointer. São Paulo, in turn, responded with points as well, keeping the game very even. An important factor to note is that the red-and-black team wasn't shooting well on three-pointers. Balbi converted two consecutive three-pointers, reducing the deficit to five points with just over a minute remaining. With three free throws made by Gui Deodato, São Paulo's lead was just two points. In the final seconds, Flamengo wasted an opportunity under the basket and was defeated 77-75.


Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Monday (11) to face União Corinthians, at 20 pm, at the Tijuca Tênis Clube gym, for the New Basketball Brazil (NBB).


Starting Quintet
Alexey, Gui Deodato, Jordan Williams, Lucas Siewert and Ruan Miranda.
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.