In a duel decided in overtime, FlaBasquete loses to Franca and ends its participation in the NBB

This time, Rubro-Negro will not go in search of the eighth title. In Game 5 of the semifinals of the New Basketball Brazil, very balanced from start to finish, the Pride of the Nation ended up being defeated by Franca, in overtime, by 98 to 95 on Tuesday night (3), at the Tijuca Tênis Clube gym. With the defeat, FlaBasquete ended its participation in the 2024/25 season with two relevant titles: the Super 8 Cup and the Basketball Champions League Americas. 

1st Bedroom
The match began with Franca being more efficient offensively, opening up a ten-point lead. FlaBasquete was making numerous errors on offense and wasting crucial shots. On the other hand, the São Paulo team was excelling at three-point shooting and increasing its lead. After Sergio Hernández called a timeout, "Pride of the Nation" came back more focused and managed to close the gap. Alexey excelled in the middle of the paint, scoring crucial points. With three consecutive three-pointers from Gui Deodato, the Rubro-Negro fought back and ended the quarter trailing by just four points: 31-27. 

2st Bedroom
At the start of the second quarter, the Pride of the Nation continued its momentum and took the lead, forcing a timeout from the opponent. The red-and-black team also improved defensively, and Franca was making numerous mistakes on offense. Ruan, playing close to the basket, played pivotal role in the paint very well, becoming an important player for the red-and-black team. One notable fact was that Franca only managed to score in the quarter with 1:37 remaining. To close the quarter, Alexey provided a beautiful assist for Ruan, who dunked the Nação, who had packed Tijuca: 47-38.

3st Bedroom
After halftime, Jordan Williams opened the quarter with a three-pointer from the dead zone. The match remained evenly matched, with both teams trading points. From the perimeter, Shaq Johnson appeared free to score two three-pointers for Mengão. It's worth noting that Ruan had to leave the court early in the period due to a muscle injury. With the Flamengo center's departure, Shaq Johnson took center stage and began hitting consecutive three-pointers for Mengão, who remained ahead. In the final minutes, the game became electrifying, with both Flamengo and Franca hitting shots. The Pride of the Nation maintained its advantage, leading the quarter 71-66. 

4st Bedroom
In the final quarter, Franca came back more focused and took the lead. Ruan returned to the court to help the red-and-black team. At a crucial moment, Gui Deodato hit a three-pointer, preventing the São Paulo team from opening up a lead. Jhonatan Luz went for two free throws and converted both. The final stretch of the game was thrilling, with any mistake fatal. Jordan Williams made a sensational steal and dunked, tying the game with 14 seconds remaining and forcing overtime.

Extension
In overtime, Franca regained the lead, largely thanks to Georginho's excellent performance. With 30 seconds remaining and trailing four points, Balbi hit a three-pointer from the dead zone to close the gap to one point. However, on the next attack, the São Paulo team converted two free throws and increased the lead to three points. FlaBasquete attempted a three-pointer in the last second, but it fell short. With that, Franca won the duel 98-95 and advanced to the NBB final.  

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