The atmosphere outside the gym reflected FlaBasquete's performance this Thursday night at Maracanãzinho: a cool finish and a flurry of three-pointers—including Maique's personal best, hitting six shots from the perimeter. The result, an 88-78 victory over São Paulo, keeps the Pride of the Nation at the top of the NBB.

Highlights

Points - Olivinha (20), Maique (18), Balbi (16)

Rebounds - Didi (6), Jaú (6), Olivinha (6)

Assists - Scott Machado (5), Balbi (5)

The game

An intense match from the start! Gui Deodato left the scoreboard in the dust with a beautiful body turn and converted Flamengo's first three points of the game. São Paulo responded with Fischer, also a three-pointer, but Big Maique hit two consecutive perimeter baskets, showing the visitors the tough task of facing the NBB leader at Maracanãzinho. With 6:15 remaining, Devon Scott ended up turning his foot after landing a rebound and needed help from his teammates to leave the court and make way for Gabriel Jaú. The Mais Querido didn't let up the pressure. The three-pointers kept falling, first from Maique and then from Balbi. Gui's dunk after Gabriel Jaú stole the ball lifted the nation present at the temple of Brazilian basketball. São Paulo responded as best they could, piling up points from close range, without much success on long shots. On the final possession of the period, Gui Deodato hit a shot from the dead zone, giving Mengão a seven-point lead. São Paulo still tried to reduce the deficit in the last play of the period, but the clock was not enough and the score remained at 30 to 23.

It took a minute for the score to change in the second quarter. Gabriel Jaú shone on the offensive rebound and extended the lead. São Paulo lost the ball shortly thereafter, and Big Maique scored his fourth from distance, engaging in a private battle with São Paulo's Miller for the top scorer spot. Didi Louzada found Olivinha open, and the "God of Race" hit another three-pointer for Flamengo, prompting a timeout from the opposing team. Flamengo looked for a way to close the gap, but Olivinha found another point with a layup. Scott Machado was another to score from distance. Mengão extended their lead: Olivinha, with two points on free throws, and Franco Balbi, driving into the paint, gave the red-and-blacks extra energy in the stands, who sang in perfect unison with the stars on the court. The game went into halftime with the score showing 52 to 44 for the team with the Biggest Fanbase in the World.

The match resumed with São Paulo trying to make up for lost time. Possessions alternated without scoring until Big Maique hit his fifth three-pointer of the game. Miller, the Tricolor's leading scorer until then, was another injured player and was substituted. Didi converted two free throws, further increasing the visitors' lead. On another long ball, Maique brought the stadium to a standstill. Despite the São Paulo team's efforts to balance the play, it was Flamengo who saw the ball fall. Balbi, with a perimeter shot, put the red-and-blacks ahead at 20 points, and only then did São Paulo manage to score their first points of the period, with 4:10 remaining on the clock, on a three-pointer by Betinho. Gabriel Jaú led the fast break, eluded the defender, but ended up falling. Even on the floor, he recovered the ball and served Didi, who scored another three points for Mengão. As the clock expired, Olivinha added another basket. The Morumbi team managed to make two more shots, but it was Franco Balbi who scored the final points of the third quarter, hitting two of three free throws. The game went into the final period with 74 points for the Pride of the Nation and 58 for the visitors.

In the final quarter, São Paulo went all-out, putting their leading scorer, Miller, back on the court. The number 33, still limping slightly, tried to give the São Paulo team a boost, but the red-and-black defense continued to frustrate his attempts. Tyrone's three-pointer was met by a three-pointer of equal value, scored by Gabriel Jaú. Tyrone himself fired on a fast break and, just as he was about to finish, was denied by a block from Big Maique, the star of the night. The visitors made a great comeback effort, reducing the red-and-black lead from 20 to 8 points. However, Fischer committed his fifth personal foul of the game and ended up being sent off. Olivinha scored two more free throws. Siewert scored three points in quick succession. On a fast break, Didi dunked from behind. Olivinha then stole the ball and scored two more. Miller had time to score another basket from inside the paint, but that was it. Red-black victory (88 to 78) and another round at the top of the NBB table. 

Next challenge

FlaBasquete returns to the court for the NBB on Sunday (31), in Campina Grande, to face UNIFACISA, at 16:30 pm. The match will be broadcast on FlaTV and the FlaTV +, the official Mengão streaming service. Fan club members are entitled to a free subscription! 

Starting Quintet

Franco Balbi, Gui Deodato, Didi Louzada, Maique and Devon Scott.

Coach: Gustavo De Conti.