Got ahead! In the best-of-five series of the NBB quarterfinals, FlaBasquete beat Fortaleza, 79-71, on Friday night (3), at the Tijuca Tênis Clube gym. With 22 points, Gabriel Jaú was the highlight of the match and an important piece in the red-black triumph. Game 2 is scheduled for next Tuesday (7), away from home.

Highlights
Gabriel Jaú – 22 points;
Loku Cuello – 18 points;
Devon Scott – 8 points.

1st Bedroom
FlaBasquete started the game by quickly demonstrating its three-point prowess with Didi. Fortaleza, for its part, also started the match scoring, keeping the game even. Gabriel Jaú worked well in the paint and, in two consecutive shots, scored four points for Mengão. Jaú, with a beautiful play, dunked. The number 9 was the red-and-black star in the fourth. By three points, Fortaleza closed the period ahead: 25-22.

2st Bedroom
In the first minute of the second quarter, the Pride of the Nation fought back and took the lead with a three-pointer from Cuello. The game was back and forth, with the lead alternating between teams. Nearly halfway through the quarter, Fortaleza converted a three-pointer and regained the lead. And then Balbi's magic appeared! On an individual play, the Argentine penetrated the paint and hit two more. Devon Scott also scored two points, was fouled, and converted the bonus free throw. In the final minutes, the Pride of the Nation regained the lead and went into halftime leading 43-39.

3st Bedroom
In the third quarter, Balbi scored two more points. With a strong defense and a sharp attack, the Mais Querido managed to open up a ten-point lead in the first few minutes of the fourth. Loku Cuello received the ball from the perimeter, calibrated his aim, and hit another three-pointer. On the court, Scott Machado also scored a three-pointer. His was missing! Gui Deodato, from the dead zone, converted another three-pointer. The third quarter ended with FlaBasquete leading the score at 64-56.

4st Bedroom
In the fourth quarter, after a well-worked play, Jaú went for a three-point shot and the ball fell. Mengão's number 9 continued to be very efficient in the match, working well in the paint. Balbi received the ball open facing the basket and hit a three-pointer. With a nine-point lead and no scares, the red-and-black team managed the final minutes of the game well and took the lead in the best-of-five, winning 79-71.

Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Tuesday (7) against Fortaleza, at 19:30 pm, at the Centro Olímpico-CE, for Game 2 of the NBB quarterfinals.

Starting Quintet
Franco Balbi, Gui Deodato, Didi, Gabriel Jaú and Devon Scott.
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.