It was with emotion, a decisive Balbi and another double-double from Gabriel Jaú that FlaBasquete beat São José, on Tuesday night (12), at Maracanãzinho. Qualified for the Final Four in the Champions League Americas, the Pride of the Nation returned to Brazil to compete in the New Basketball Brazil (NBB) and secured its 16th consecutive victory in the season. FlaTV broadcast the entire thing live, with images. Subscribe to the Mengão channel!

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Highlights

Points - Jaú (15), Maique (11), Balbi (10), Devon Scott (10)

Rebounds - Jaú (13), Maique (5), Scott Machado (5), Scott (5)

Assists - Balbi (3), Deodato (3), Jaú (2)

The game

The match started evenly, but it was São José who had the better offensive efficiency in the first half. With little time left in the first quarter, Flamengo was shooting poorly from the field and even got closer with a beautiful shot from outside the perimeter by captain Olivinha (13-15), but the São Paulo team went into the second period ahead (15-20).

Upon returning to the court, with a dedicated defense and effective offense, the Pride of the Nation came back with a 10-0 lead in the first half and quickly took the lead at Maracanãzinho, thanks to a beautiful three-pointer from Big Maique. After a first quarter filled with errors from the red-and-black team, the second quarter was better defensively - São José scored just seven points. The teams went into the locker room with Mengão ahead: 31-27.

After the break, Flamengo struggled to play a good quarter. With their performance low, the Gávea team even saw São José regain the lead, and the teams alternated positions. The match continued basket by basket, until Argentine star Franco Balbi called the game in the final period and broke the deadlock for the Mais Querido, scoring ten decisive points and dishing out two precise assists that secured the final score: 69-67 for the Orgulho da Nação. The victory was thrilling until the final clock expired, when the opponent missed a three-point shot to give Mengão two points.

Next challenge

FlaBasquete returns to the court next Tuesday (19), to face Bauru, at 20 pm, at the Panela de Pressão gym, for another round of the NBB. Before, Gui Deodato, Gabriel Jaú, Didi and Felipe Motta will represent FlaBasquete in the All-Star Game, on March 15 and 16, in São Paulo, at the Ibirapuera gym.

Starting Quintet

Franco Balbi, Gui Deodato, Loku Cuello, Gabriel Jaú and Devon Scott.

Coach: Gustavo De Conti.