Consistent from start to finish, FlaBasquete defeats Caxias do Sul and secures a spot in the NBB quarterfinals

Heading to the NBB quarterfinals! FlaBasquete imposed itself on the court and defeated Caxias do Sul 86-63 this Friday (2), at the Sesi gym, closing the best-of-five series in the fourth game. With 20 points, Ruan was the top scorer of the match and a giant in rebounds. The Pride of the Nation awaits its opponent in the quarterfinals, which will come from the duel between Corinthians and União Corinthians.

Highlights
Ruan Miranda – 20 points;
Shaq Johnson – 15 points;
Alexey – 12 points; 
Jordan Williams – 11 points. 

1st Bedroom
On the first attack, Ruan went for the layup and scored the game's first two points. After moving the ball around the offensive end, Jordan Williams found himself free and sank a three-pointer. With an assist from Alexey, Kayo Gonçalves also got his hands on it and hit a three-pointer. In the final seconds, Lucas Siewert made a beautiful play in the paint and dunked it. The first quarter was evenly matched, with the Pride of the Nation leading the scoreboard and closing the quarter at 20-15. 

2st Bedroom
In the second quarter, FlaBasquete continued to dominate the court. With a tight defense, they hampered Caxias' offensive play, which was often prone to errors. On the court, Balbi converted a three-pointer, giving the red-and-black team a nine-point lead. Ruan was the red-and-black team's standout performer, dominating the paint and leading the team in points with 12. Showing consistent offense and defense, the Pride of the Nation held firm and went into halftime leading 40-28. 

3st Bedroom
In the third quarter, Jordan Williams extended the Flamengo lead with a three-pointer. Ruan continued to dominate the paint, grabbing five offensive rebounds. Caxias tried to fight back, but Flamengo pushed forward and responded with points. In the final seconds of the quarter, the home team nearly closed the gap to 10 points, but with a three-pointer from Lucas Siewert and a free throw made by Ruan, the Pride of the Nation maintained a 14-point lead and closed the quarter at 63-49. 

4st Bedroom
In the final quarter, Orgulho da Nação maintained its intensity and continued to score. Alexey stepped up at the right moment and hit two shots, scoring four straight points and stopping a potential Caxias comeback. In the final minutes, Mengão opened up a big lead again and closed out the game with an 86-63 victory, securing a spot in the NBB quarterfinals without needing a fifth game. 

Next appointment
Now, the Pride of the Nation awaits its opponent in the NBB quarterfinals, which will come from the clash between Corinthians and União Corinthians. 

Starting Quintet
Alexey, Shaq Johnson, Jordan Williams, Kayo Gonçalves and Ruan. 
Coach: Sergio Hernandez.