On Tuesday night, Flamengo defeated Brasília 88-79 at Arena BRB in the capital, earning its 25th win in 32 matches in the qualifying round of the New Basketball Brazil (NBB). In a classic that has already decided titles and marked an era at the beginning of the last decade, Flamengo gave its rival no chance and controlled the action from start to finish, with a commanding performance from its key players.

Franco Balbi and Shaq Johnson stood out, leading the attack with aggression and efficiency, as did Ruan Miranda, who was a defensive pillar throughout the match, helping to neutralize the attacks of the Brasilia team, in addition to contributing 17 points. 

Now, there are only two commitments left in the qualifying phase before the start of the playoffs: on Sunday (13), against Bauru, and on Tuesday (15), against Franca - both away from home. But before the ball goes up to the knockout phase of the national competition, Mais Querido has the long-awaited Final Four of the Basketball Champions League Americas (BCLA) ahead of it, which will be played in Rio de Janeiro.

Tickets for the four Final Four games are now on sale, and Flamengo is counting on the support of the nation in the stands as they seek another international title. It's time for Flamengo fans to secure their seats and be part of another remarkable chapter in the history of FlaBasquete. Flamengo fans can buy tickets at ingressos.flamengo.com.br;and more fans: futebolcard.com.

Highlights

Ruan - 17 points and 8 rebounds

Franco Balbi - 17 points

Shaq Johnson 13 points 

Alexey Borges - 11 points and 7 assists

The game

1st Bedroom

After a string of games in which Flamengo only found its best rhythm in the third quarter, the team reinforced the need to "start strong." The promise of a more focused start was fulfilled from the first second on Tuesday: the team came out with excellent posture, especially on defense, and didn't allow Brasília to breathe in the opening minutes. They went more than three minutes without conceding a point and went on a 7-0 run, setting the tone for a solid performance from the start—as the squad and coaching staff had been demanding in recent rounds. Alexey and Gui Deodato drove the scoring until the end of the quarter, which ended in a partial 20-15 victory for FlaBasquete.

2st Bedroom

Franco Balbi took the court and put the ball under his arm: seven consecutive points for the Argentine point guard at the start of the quarter, and the opponent called a timeout. Flamengo led 27-19. Brasília attempted a comeback, but the Pride of the Nation was focused on both ends of the court. With a flawless end to the first half, which featured a basket by Shaq Johnson at the end of the clock, Mengão went into the locker room leading 43-27.

3st Bedroom

The quiet star of the game was Ruan Miranda. With 13 points and 5 rebounds to this point, he was also the star of the Flamengo defense, protecting the rim like no other. In the third quarter alone, the young center had two blocks. Offensively, Shaq Johnson was having a brilliant night. Sharp shooting, the American shot 60% from three. The third quarter ended as the second began: a parade of goals by Franco Balbi, who scored five more points in a row: Flamengo 66 x 53 Brasília.

4st Bedroom

The final period saw Brasília play a super-aggressive team, utilizing their three-point line excellently. Just when it seemed the home team couldn't make any more mistakes, the team's more experienced players slowed down, reduced possessions, and secured the victory as they headed back to Rio de Janeiro. Game over. Flamengo 88, Brasília 79.

Next challenge

The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Sunday (13) to face Bauru, at 18 pm, in the interior of São Paulo, for the penultimate round of the regular phase of the NBB.

Starting Quintet

Alexey, Shaq Johnson, Jordan Williams, Kayo Gonçalves and Ruan Miranda.

Coach: Sergio Hernandez.