Flamengo beat São José 88-72 on Wednesday night (29), away from home, in the fourth round of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB). With the result, Mais Querido reaches its fourth victory and remains undefeated in the national competition. 

Now, Rubro-Negro is preparing to face Corinthians, still in São Paulo, next Friday (31), for the second of four consecutive matches in the state.

Highlights

Negrete – 15 points;
Wesley - 12 points;
Dee Bost – 12 points;
Alexey – 12 points;
Markeith Cummings - 10 points;
Shaq Johnson – 10 points. 

The Game

 1st Bedroom

The game started evenly, with the teams trading the lead and scoring baskets in the first few minutes. The score was 6-6 with five minutes left on the clock. In the final part of the period, Flamengo picked up the pace, took the lead, and even managed to open up a gap. São José managed to turn the game around in the final seconds, but a layup by Dee Bost at the buzzer secured Flamengo's advantage at the end of the first quarter: 20-19.

2st Bedroom

The second quarter was dominated by Flamengo. With strong performances from foreign players Alex Negrete and Dee Bost, who each scored eight points in the quarter alone, Flamengo controlled the pace of the game and imposed their style on the court. In the final minute, Markeith Cummings hit a three-pointer that solidified Flamengo's lead before halftime: 44-38 for Mengão at halftime.

3st Bedroom

If the second quarter marked the moment when Flamengo took control of the game, the third was the consolidation of their superiority. With a collective and efficient style of basketball, the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved) converted more than 55% of their field goal attempts and maintained intensity on defense, limiting São José to only 26% shooting accuracy. Dominant on both ends of the court, Flamengo won the quarter 19-11 and opened up a 63-49 lead, securing the victory.

4st Bedroom 

The final quarter was dominated by Flamengo, who secured the victory. With a comfortable lead, Flamengo managed the game intelligently and calmly. Coach Sergio Hernandez took advantage of the moment to give playing time to young players Manel, Vitor Cauã, and Matheus Gueiros, who earned valuable minutes. In the end, it was a collective victory: six players scored over 10 points, and all 12 players on the roster took to the court: Flamengo 88 x 72 São José.

Next challenge

The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Friday (31) to face Corinthians, at 20 pm, at the Prof. Hugo Ramos gymnasium, for the fifth round of the NBB. 

Starting Quintet

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