Flamengo beat Paulistano 82-80, this Saturday afternoon (15), in São Paulo, for the tenth round of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB). With the result, Mais Querido reaches its tenth consecutive victory in the national competition, the team's best mark since the 2012/2013 season. 

The game was marked by a very mature first half from the Pride of the Nation, who controlled the action and went into halftime with a 10-point lead. In the third quarter, however, the home team improved and even managed to turn the game around. Flamengo knew how to withstand the moment of weakness, recovered the advantage, and escaped with their lives in the final minutes, which were breathtaking. 

Now, Mais Querido returns to Rio de Janeiro to face Brasilia and Rio Claro, Thursday (20) and Saturday (22), respectively, for the continuation of the NBB. The best: tickets are already on sale. Secure yours now! 

Highlights

Negrete - 20 points;
Wesley - 18 points;  
Manel - 13 points; 
Dee Bost - 11 points; 

 
1st Bedroom

The game started as is typical for Flamengo: strong defense in the half-court, forcing the opponent into errors. On offense, the pick and roll between Alexey and Wesley worked perfectly to open the scoring in São Paulo: 2-0. On Paulistano's ensuing possession, Flamengo recovered and scored two more points. Paulistano responded. Gui Abreu, with a three-pointer, managed to put them ahead, but Wesley tied the game under the basket: 6-6. Gui Deodato appeared from mid-range and, subsequently, the teams traded baskets. Shaq Johnson converted a three-pointer that put the score at 15-13. Alex Negrete came in aggressively, scored with a foul, and put Flamengo ahead again. Manel came in and scored his points, one with a dunk, and it was Negrete himself who sealed the final score of the quarter, marked by balance at the beginning and a Flamengo advantage at the end: Flamengo 21-15 Paulistano.

2st Bedroom

The second quarter maintained the balance of the beginning of the game, with Flamengo in the lead. Dee Bost, with a beautiful stepback, extended the advantage to eight points: 28-20. On the next play, he repeated the feat. Manel once again brought the Flamengo bench to its feet with another dunk, making it 33-22 and forcing Paulistano to call a timeout. Upon resuming play, Wesley converted two free throws. Soon after, a beautiful bounce pass from Gui Deodato found Wesley open to extend the lead: 37-29. Paulistano reacted, cutting the difference to five points, which led Sergio Hernandez to call his first timeout. Upon returning, Wesley scored two points and also drew a foul, forcing the opponent to stop the game again: 40-32 Flamengo. Wesley himself, in an excellent performance, closed the first half with a precise hook shot: Flamengo 44-34.

3st Bedroom

The period began with a strong run by the home team. In the first few minutes, Paulistano put together a 14-5 run, narrowing the gap to just one point: 49-48 Flamengo. From then on, the teams traded leads. Paulistano even extended their lead to 60-56, but Manel responded and restored Flamengo's advantage. Negrete, having a great night, hit a three-pointer from the corner to make it 64-60 for Flamengo. Dee Bost, who had already found Negrete on the perimeter, this time found Manel open for two more points. In the end, Flamengo controlled the final possessions and closed out the period with a 69-63 victory.

4st Bedroom

The final period began evenly, with Flamengo managing their lead. The game, in general, saw a decrease in offensive intensity. In the final minutes, however, the match became dramatic and breathtaking. Showing maturity and decisiveness, Flamengo secured the victory 82-80, achieving their tenth consecutive win in the opening game of the NBB.

Next challenge

The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Thursday (20), to face Brasilia, at 19:30 pm, at Maracanãzinho, for the eleventh round of the NBB. 

Starting Quintet

Alexey, Gui Deodato, Shaq Johnson, Markeith Cummings and Wesley Castro.
Coach: Sergio Hernandez.