Playoffs are in the air! #FlaBasquete defeated Universidad de Concepción of Chile away from home, 92-64, in the first best-of-three match between the teams, vying for a spot in the Final Four of the Champions League Americas. The "Mais Querido" took the lead early in the match, thanks to strong defense and quick transitions, and never looked back. A convincing victory that gives the Rubro-Negro just one win to advance in the competition.  

Highlights

Loku Cuello - 22 points, 7 assists and 2 rebounds

Hett - 16 points, +/- 22 in 11 efficiency

Rafa Mineiro - 7 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists

The game

The match began with Flamengo pressing strongly, and on the first possession, Gabriel Jaú made a beautiful block on the perimeter. Fischer killed a three-pointer, and a sequence of good defensive possessions, followed by quick transitions, gave the Pride of the Nation a 13-2 lead, prompting a timeout from the opposing coach in the opening minutes. The rest of the quarter saw the red-and-black team failing to keep possession of the ball and suffering turnovers, but Cuello and Olivinha hit three-pointers from the dead zone to keep the Mais Querido with a healthy lead – 21-14 at the end of the first half.

The two teams began the second quarter trading three-pointers—Gui Deodato and Cuello both hit for Flamengo. Ricardo Fischer capitalized on the blocks and navigated the attack well to score from mid-range. Flamengo, a strong offensive rebounder, opened up a 10-point lead during the period. In the final stretch of the first half, it was Hett's turn to punish the Chilean team from the dead zone—a three-pointer and an increased lead. FlaBasquete went into halftime leading the match 45-31.

The second half began much like the first, with Flamengo defending well and scoring points in transition. Hett received the ball under the basket, scored two points, and was fouled. Three-pointers from Hett, Mineiro, and Lucas Martinez gave the "Mais Querido" a 25-point lead during the quarter. Just as UdeC was trying to get back into the game, Cuello hit a beautiful shot from the perimeter to cool the Chileans down. With one quarter remaining, Flamengo led 74-51.

Olivinha started the fourth quarter on the attack, and on his first attempt, he scored two points and was fouled. Gui Deodato then hit a three-pointer. Gabriel Jaú also proved effective playing with his back to the basket. And even with a large lead, FlaBasquete didn't let up. Gui Deodato stole the ball, crossed the court, and dunked it solo to seal the red-and-black victory in Chile. 92-64, and Flamengo is one win away from the BCLA Final Four in Rio de Janeiro. Let's go!

Starting Quintet

Ricardo Fischer, Lucas Martinez, Loku Cuello, Gabriel Jaú and Hettsheimeir.

Coach: Gustavo De Conti

Next appointment

FlaBasquete returns to the court for the second match of this best-of-three next Thursday (9), against the same Universidad de Concepción, at Maracanãzinho, at 20 pm. The game is valid for the Champions League Americas and is broadcast by ESPN.