FlaBasquete went to Spain for a series of preseason friendlies. In the first challenge on European soil, the Pride of the Nation played a very balanced game against UCAM Murcia, but ended up being defeated by 75 to 73, on the afternoon of this Wednesday (4), at the Pabellón Polideportivo José Ortega Chumilla gym, in Yecla.

It is worth mentioning that Murcia finished second in the Spanish Basketball League (ACB) last season.  

1st Bedroom
Mengão's first match of the season started evenly. Taya Gallizzi, in the paint, scored the Pride of the Nation's first two points. The match continued with back-and-forth scoring, but with two three-pointers, UCAM Murcia opened up a narrow lead: 21-14 for the Spanish team.

2st Bedroom
Early in the second quarter, Flamengo turned the game around with four three-pointers: two from Shaq Johnson, one from Kayo Gonçalves, and one from Jhonatan Luz. Kayo then converted another shot from the perimeter to keep Flamengo ahead. Gallizzi received a good pass and dunked, scoring two more points. The game was evenly matched, with UCAM Murcia preventing Flamengo from opening up a lead. In the final seconds of the quarter, Flamengo tied the match at 41-41.

3st Bedroom
After halftime, Murcia took the lead with a three-pointer. Point guard Alexey worked the play well in the paint and scored two points. To regain the lead, Gallizzi also converted his shot for two. On the court, Franco Balbi provided a beautiful assist for Gui Deodato to score on a layup. Next, Mengão's number 1 took a shot in front, drove to the paint, and dunked two more. He was also fouled and hit the free throw. Diarra received a good pass in the paint and went for the dunk. With a two-point lead, the Spanish team finished the quarter leading 60-58.

4st Bedroom
In the fourth quarter, Lucas Siewert received the ball from the perimeter and scored a three-pointer in the opening minutes. The match remained very even, with the teams alternating the lead. Kayo Gonçalves closed the space on defense with a beautiful block to prevent UCAM Murcia from scoring. Always decisive, Balbi received the ball in a good position and hit a three-pointer. The duel remained close until the end, but Murcia eventually won 75-73.

Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Friday (6) to face Básquet Coruña, at 15 pm (Brasília time), in Granada-ESP.

Starting Quintet
Alexey; Shaq Johnson, Gui Deodato, Lucas Siewert and Taya Gallizzi.
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.