The game

Flamengo was defeated by Franca by 102 to 86, on Sunday morning (1), at Pedrocão, in the fourth game of the best-of-five series of the semifinals of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB). Now, Mais Querido turns its attention to game five between the teams, which takes place next Tuesday (3), at 20 pm, at the Tijuca gym.

Flamengo started well, but Franca prevailed from the end of the first quarter until halftime. After the break, Flamengo briefly leveled the score, but the São Paulo team controlled the game and gave the red-and-blacks no room for a comeback.

1st bedroom

The home team started by dominating the match. After a timeout called by Sergio Hernández, Flamengo found better attacking options with Ruan and Jhonatan. With the introduction of the second unit, the team managed to even the score, but it wasn't enough. At the end of the first half, the score was 27-14 in favor of Franca.

2st bedroom

Flamengo returned more organized for the second quarter, especially on defense. Zone defense began to hamper Franca's offensive play, and the Rubro-Negro found more fluidity on offense. The three-pointers began to fall, and the pick-and-roll between Alexey and Ruan became one of the team's main weapons. With just over three minutes played, the lead—which had been 13 points—dropped to just five, forcing a timeout from coach Helinho. Flamengo had moments of dominance and even threatened a comeback, but couldn't maintain the momentum until the end of the quarter. Franca responded in the final minutes and went into halftime still ahead.

3st bedroom

The third quarter continued much the same way as the previous one, with Franca imposing its rhythm and controlling the action. The São Paulo team's tight defense continued to hamper the red-and-blacks' attacks, who struggled to overcome their defense. With good ball movement and efficient attack, the home team managed to lead by 14 points throughout the quarter.

Despite seeking alternatives, Flamengo struggled to break down the opposing defense and couldn't get its game going. Dominating both ends of the court, Franca finished the third quarter with a 15-point lead.

4st bedroom

In the final 12 minutes, Flamengo came back stronger and tried to close the gap. The red-and-black momentum was different, and the lead even dropped to single digits. However, from midway through the period, Franca regained control of the match and maintained the lead at around 10 points. The Mais Querido reached the final stretch of the game plagued by fouls, and the São Paulo team took advantage of constant trips to the free throw line to score and seal the victory.

"In the first quarter, Franca opened up a big lead. And when they play with an advantage at home, with the support of their fans, it gets tough. But this is our fifth home game, with the support of our fans. We've always responded in decisive moments this season. We're going after qualification," said Gui Deodato.

Next match 

Now, Orgulho da Nação returns to the court on Tuesday (03), to face Franca, at 20 pm, for the fifth and final game of the NBB semifinal, at Tijuca Tênis Clube.

Starting Quintet

Alexey, Shaq Johnson, Jordan Williams, Kayo Gonçalves and Ruan Miranda. Coach: Sergio Hernández.