Flamengo took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series in the round of 16 of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB). The match against Botafogo, at the Oscar Zelaya gymnasium in General Severiano, had different tempos: the red-and-black team was far superior in the first quarters, but saw a strong comeback from their opponent in the second half. The decision came down to the final seconds, but Mengão secured the victory, 92-87.

The second game of the series will be next Friday (26), at 21 pm, at Maracanãzinho. Tickets are now on sale and you can secure your seat in the stands now by clicking here! A victory is enough to qualify for the NBB quarterfinals.

Match Highlights

Points - Cuello (18), Didi (17), Balbi (14)

Rebounds - Jaú (8), Olivinha (5)

Assists - Jaú (8), Balbi (5), Didi (5)

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The game

Flamengo went into the derby without one of its key players, Gui Deodato, who was sidelined due to a back injury. But even without their number 1 and playing at their opponent's home ground, the red-and-black team dominated, starting the match with a much better shooting percentage than Botafogo. Gabriel Jaú enjoyed a surge in assists as a playmaker and stood out as the Gávea team's top waiter in the match; Cuello, who gained a place in the starting lineup in Deodato's absence, entered with sharp aim, boasting a 100% shooting percentage in the first half. 

Imposing their game and pulling away from their opponents on the scoreboard with twice as many three-pointers as the black and white team, FlaBasquete relied on a strong second quarter from Didi and Scott Machado to take a 25-point lead with two minutes remaining before halftime. Led by Thornton, who had 20/29 points, Botafogo staged a comeback before the teams went to the locker room, and the period was more evenly matched (20-29), but the Mais Querido remained comfortably in the lead overall: 56-35.

Flamengo's performance dropped in the second half, and Botafogo ended up winning the final two periods, closing dangerously close on the scoreboard, which was 90-87 for the Red-Blacks with seconds remaining. The home team tried to stall for time by committing fouls and calling a timeout, but Gabriel Jaú, at the free throw line, gave the Gávea team a four-point lead, which would have required two possessions for the opponent to turn the game around. On Botafogo's next attacking attempt, Cuello grabbed a crucial rebound and scored another point to secure a 92-87 victory.

Starting Quintet

Franco Balbi, Loku Cuello, Didi Louzada, Maique and Gabriel Jaú

Coach: Gustavo De Conti.