Red-black triumph in the interior of São Paulo! In another round of the New Basketball Brazil, the Pride of the Nation beat Mogi Basketball 95-86, away from home, on Thursday night (23). FlaBasquete was behind on the scoreboard at halftime, but driven by a 15-29 run in the third quarter, they managed to regain control of the match and didn't look back. 

Franco Balbi led the team in scoring with 19 points, contributed five assists, and led the team in efficiency. He's a wizard!

Now, the Pride of the Nation returns to Rio de Janeiro to face Bauru next Monday (27) and Franca (2), at Maracanãzinho. Click here and buy your ticket for the next Pride of the Nation challenges at home!

Highlights

Franco Balbi – 19 points;

Didi – 16 points;

Filipovity – 16 points;

Gui Deodato – 14 points;

Diarrhea – 10 points;

Loku Cuello – 9 points;

Gabriel Jaú – 8 points.

1st Bedroom

The match began with both teams exchanging shots. Franco Balbi had been setting the pace for Flamengo so far, with seven points in the first five minutes. Maique, starting for the first time in the NBB, and Marko Filipovity were aggressive and scored from the free throw line. A few minutes before the end of the quarter, Diarra and Didi added points. End of the first half: Mogi 22 x 20 Flamengo. 

2st Bedroom

The second half saw Gui Deodato take center stage with six unanswered points. Flamengo and Mogi continued to alternate scoring from the perimeter. Didi Louzada was Mais Querido's most effective offensive player late in the quarter. The game went into halftime 52-46 for the home team.

3st Bedroom

Flamengo came back from the break energetically and quickly reduced the home team's lead. Baskets from Filipovity and Jaú cut the score to just one point - and it was through the Jaú power forward's hands that Mengão turned the score around: 54-55. The Pride of the Nation continued its strong performance with a strong contribution from Argentinian Loku Cuello, who hit two consecutive three-pointers and set up Mali's Diarra for a beautiful dunk. Didi Louzada scored the final points of Flamengo's incredible 15-29 run, making it 67-75 overall.

4st Bedroom

After taking control of the match in the previous quarter, FlaBasquete didn't look back. Franco Balbi and Diarra combined for seven points in the opening minutes of the final quarter, and Mais Querido opened up an 11-point lead with just over seven minutes remaining. Gabriel Jaú, with his usual aggressiveness, hit the ball inside, scored two points, and was fouled. Franco Balbi continued to lead the red-and-black squad, this time with two more points and an assist for Didi to dunk on his own. Mais Querido returns to Rio de Janeiro with the victory in their luggage: 86-95!

Next challenge

Starting Quintet

Franco Balbi, Didi, Loku Cuello, Marko Filipovity and Maique.

Coach: Gustavo De Conti.