In a game valid for the Super 8 Cup, Flamengo beat Franca 90 to 79 on Saturday afternoon (16) at the Antônio Prado Jr. gymnasium, in São Paulo. The red-black team's top scorer in the match was Chuzito González with 19 points. Olivinha also shone with another double-double in the season. With the triumph, Mais Querido advanced to the semifinals of the competition and will face Bauru, next Tuesday (19), at 17 pm.

The game
The first quarter started off fiercely contested, with Rafael Mineiro hitting a three-pointer for the Rubro-Negro. Hettsheimeir then followed with a three-pointer and converted for the team from Gávea. In a tightly contested match, the Franca team capitalized on the Rubro-Negro's mistakes to score and take the lead. In the final seconds, Chuzito converted his second three-pointer. The São Paulo team finished the period ahead, winning 27-19.

The Pride of the Nation returned for the second quarter with more momentum and, through Marquinhos, hit an early three-pointer. More organized on the court, FlaBasquete managed to turn the score around in the first five minutes of the period, but Franca fought back and tied the match, ending the quarter at 46-46.

After halftime, the game remained evenly matched, with both teams trading points. The Pride of the Nation tried to move the ball forward to find openings to shoot, but missed some attempts. Franca capitalized on the rebounds to counterattack. In the final seconds, Leo Demetrio and Balbi hit two three-pointers and restored Mengão's lead: 69-65.

In the final quarter, FlaBasquete maintained its intensity and continued to score on offense. Marquinhos, who was playing very well, was converting Fla's three-pointers. In a quarter far superior to their opponent, Mengão controlled the game and comfortably secured a 90-79 victory.

With the result, Orgulho da Nação advanced to the semifinals of the competition and will face Bauru next Tuesday (19).  

Highlights:
Chuzito - 19 points;
Olivinha - 17 points and 11 rebounds;
Marquinhos - 13 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists;
Yago - 12 points and 8 assists;
Franco Balbi - 9 points.

Starting Quintet
Franco Balbi, Chuzito, Rafael Mineiro, Olivinha and Hettsheimeir.


The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo rely on resources from their sponsors – BRB, TIM, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and State Incentive Law/State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure and Youth (Seelje) of Rio de Janeiro, in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC).