America is Red-Black! Flamengo defeats Boca Juniors and becomes three-time continental basketball champion

It's days like these that stories are told. Encouraged by the nation at Maracanãzinho Stadium, Flamengo defeated Boca Juniors in the Champions League Americas emphatically, 83-57, and became the three-time continental basketball champion. With this result, the "Mais Querido" secured a spot in the FIBA ​​Club World Cup in September in Singapore.

Saturday night (19) couldn't have been better. Flamengo, aware of its responsibility, driven by an almost palpable energy coming from the stands and inspired by a flawless performance the night before, started the game with its foot on the accelerator. Alexey Borges, chosen as the tournament's MVP, showed why he was honored. Absolute in every aspect of the game, the point guard wearing the number 47 jersey took control of the decision. In addition to his sublime performance, he was the team's top scorer in the competition, the overall leader in assists, and the most efficient athlete on the continent. 

And if the BCLA's history began in 2019, it's impossible to talk about it without mentioning Flamengo. With six appearances in six editions, five finals, and now two titles, the Pride of the Nation demonstrates its continental strength. At the end of the night, with the trophy raised to the Rio sky, Flamengo wasn't just celebrating a victory—it was also the reaffirmation of a winning tradition. And in September, at the Intercontinental Cup, the world will be the stage.

Highlights

Gui Deodato - 16 points

Alexey Borges - 15 points and 6 assists

Shaq Johnson - 15 points

Ruan Miranda - 11 points and 9 rebounds

The game

1st Bedroom

The game began with both teams anxious, unable to convert their first attacks. That's when the highlight of the FlaBasquete season appeared. Alexey Borges converted a three-pointer from the top of the paint to open the scoring. From then on, Flamengo repeated its history of previous games and dictated the pace of the match. Successive shots from Shaq Johnson, Alexey, and Kayo Gonçalves forced the opposing team to call a timeout: 14-2 Flamengo. Alexey Borges continued to dominate the match. The MVP of the Super 8 Cup, the red-and-black point guard seemed determined to take the honor for the second time this season. Dominant on defense, in transition, and on offensive rebounds, the Mais Querido gave Boca Juniors no room at Maracanãzinho: 25-4 in the quarter. Boca increased its production in the final minutes, but overall, the red-and-black dominated: 30-13 Flamengo.

2st Bedroom

The second period began with Flamengo using its second rotation on the court. The teams traded baskets. The score difference remained due to the Argentines' poor use of the field: until that point, they were 1/11 of the perimeter. In a tighter quarter, Flamengo managed to prevail: 19-16 in the first half. The teams went to the locker room with a 49-29 partial victory for the Mais Querido.

3st Bedroom

Throughout the Final Four, tonight's third period was the first time Flamengo wasn't in complete control. But even down, the Pride of the Nation didn't let Boca Juniors gain any momentum. Despite a meager 11-point attack, Flamengo took the game into the final 10 minutes with a considerable lead: 60-45.

4st Bedroom

If the third quarter wasn't the team's best moment of the match, Flamengo returned for the final period determined to win. In the opening minutes, an 8-2 run for the red-and-blacks was a real blow to their opponents. They were ahead by more than 20 points with very little time remaining. If Argentina's morale was already low, Gui Deodato delivered a beautiful ball from the perimeter for the Mais Querido to open up a 25-point lead: 74-49. From then on, it was just a matter of counting down the minutes. When the clock hit zero, Flamengo celebrated. An 83-57 victory and a third consecutive Copa América title!

Starting Quintet

Alexey, Shaq Johnson, Jordan Williams, Kayo Gonçalves and Ruan Miranda.

Coach: Sergio Hernandez.