On Monday night (05.05), Flamengo took another step towards defending the title of the New Basketball Brazil (NBB). The Rubro-Negro defeated Bauru 84-81, in an exciting and balanced game at the Panela de Pressão gymnasium and secured their place in the championship semifinals. The highlight of the match was Nicolás Laprovittola, the team's top scorer with 24 points, with a 5/7 success rate on three-pointers and four steals.

It was Nico who opened the scoring, reaching 10 points in the first quarter. Besides the Argentine point guard, only Olivinha scored, with two three-pointers. The home team kept the game even, and the first quarter ended with Flamengo trailing 20-16 to Bauru. In the second quarter, Washam came on well off the bench and was the standout performer with seven points. Marcelinho turned the score around for Flamengo with a three-pointer two minutes before halftime, and Flamengo closed the quarter ahead 21-19, but on aggregate, Bauru still led by a narrow two-point lead: 39-37.

"They're playing a stronger defense, playing the game of their lives, but our team is doing well in the match and the difference is only two points. We have to improve our offensive rebounding to improve next half," analyzed Olivinha, on the way to the locker room.

With his third three-pointer of the game, the power forward led the third quarter with 12 points. The game was very even, and the teams were always evenly matched on the scoreboard: a basket here, a basket there. With a three-pointer from Marquinhos, Flamengo took the lead to 54-52, and the lead reached 66-58 in the final quarter, with a three-pointer from Olivinha and points from Marquinhos and Nico. The teams alternated the lead, but in the second half, Flamengo managed to maintain its lead. Bauru still closed in, and the final seconds were thrilling, but the final score of 84-81 guaranteed the red-and-blacks a spot in the semifinals.

"Bauru deserves a lot of credit; they made our lives very difficult and played a long series, but we have players who make decisions and do their job when needed. This only enhances our team, which is a great team. Bauru has a great center and good shooters, but once we managed to pressure these players, we hit the counterattacks and came away with the victory," said Marquinhos, who had 18 points and five rebounds.

Now, Flamengo awaits the winner of the series between Limeira and Mogi das Cruzes to find out their next opponent in the playoffs.