A thrilling away win! In the first NBB match of 2024, FlaBasquete demonstrated the strength of its squad and defeated Caxias do Sul 85-84 on Wednesday night at the Sesi-RS gymnasium. Gui Deodato took the match to overtime, and Balbi, in the last second, scored the two points that sealed the victory for the red-and-blacks. Gabriel Jaú was another standout player in the match with 26 points.

Highlights
Gabriel Jaú – 26 points;
Gui Deodato – 19 points;
Franco Balbi – 15 points;
Didi – 13 points.

1st Bedroom
The first two points of the match fell to the red-and-blacks, thanks to Gui Deodato, who found the freedom to shoot. Soon after, Balbi worked the play well in the paint, nailed two more, and was fouled. He also converted the bonus free throw. Next, the Argentine point guard beat the defense and hit a three-pointer. The Pride of the Nation had a great start to the game. On the other hand, the team from Caxias do Sul was willing to play hard and also capitalized on its opportunities on offense, keeping the match fairly even. At the end of the quarter, FlaBasquete took the lead 21-16.  

2st Bedroom
The start of the second period remained evenly balanced, with both teams trading points. At one point, both teams made a few mistakes, and the scoreboard remained unchanged for a while. Once again, Gui Deodato was spot-on, scoring another three-pointer, extending the red-and-black lead to six points. Caxias, for its part, didn't let the red-and-black team slip away and continued to score. A highlight was Didi, who hit two consecutive three-pointers. In the final minutes, the red-and-black team built a solid lead and closed the first half ahead 39-31.

3st Bedroom
After halftime, Gui Deodato, Mengão's leading scorer, attempted another three-pointer and converted. Gabriel Jaú also performed well, scoring a three-pointer and then dunking. In the final stretch of the period, Caxias do Sul fought back and closed the gap. But the Pride of the Nation maintained its lead, closing the quarter at 57-53.

4st Bedroom
At the start of the fourth quarter, Caxias do Sul continued its fightback and sought a comeback. Flamengo, for its part, undeterred and continued its attack, preventing its opponent from opening up a lead. Gabriel Jaú, in addition to hitting three free throws, converted a crucial three-pointer. The final minutes were thrilling! Mengão took the lead with two free throws from Jaú. In the final seconds, with Flamengo trailing by three, Gui Deodato received the ball in the dead zone, tied the game, and forced overtime: 78-78.

In overtime, Orgulho da Nação took the lead with a point from Didi on a free throw. Caxias responded in kind, also converting two free throws. Caxias do Sul took the lead, but FlaBasquete was valiant and fought until the end. In the last second and a few hundredths of a second, Balbi was fouled and went for two free throws. He made the first and missed the second, but grabbed the rebound and converted two points on a layup to give Mengão a spectacular victory, which remains atop the NBB: 85-84.

Next challenge
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Friday (5) to face União Corinthians, at 19:30 pm, at the Arnão Multi-Sports Gymnasium, in another away match for the New Basketball Brazil 2023-2024.

Starting Quintet
Franco Balbi, Gui Deodato, Loku Cuello, Marko Filipovity and Diarra.
Coach: Gustavo De Conti.