Flamengo Advances to NBB Opening Tournament Final With 77-62 Victory Over Minas

Flamengo secured their spot in the NBB Opening Tournament final with a commanding second-half display on Friday evening. At the Dona Salomé gymnasium, the Rio side claimed a 77-62 victory over Minas in the tournament's final group-stage match. After struggling through the opening two quarters, Flamengo emerged with renewed intensity after the interval, seizing control of the scoreboard in the third period and holding firm through the final whistle. Didi led Flamengo's scoring charge with 13 points.

Key Performers

Didi – 13 points;

Baralle – 12 points;

Negrete – 11 points;

Ruan – 10 points.

First Quarter

Minas opened the game in command, establishing an eight-point lead. Yago added Flamengo's opening points from the free-throw line. The early passage belonged to Minas, as Flamengo struggled to find rhythm on offense. Baralle's two three-pointers helped trim the deficit to three with three minutes remaining, though Minas held their advantage into the break at 24-18.

Second Quarter

Minas continued to manage play, but Flamengo gradually worked their way back into contention. Negrete's eight consecutive points sparked a comeback effort, and Didi contributed vital plays on both ends of the floor. With less than two minutes until halftime, Flamengo grabbed their first lead of the match. A late Minas bucket, however, sent the teams to the locker room with Minas ahead 44-40.

Third Quarter

The second half proved tighter, with both sides finding scoring opportunities limited. Three minutes from the end of the period, Yago orchestrated an elegant alley-oop to Manel, restoring Flamengo's lead. Negrete followed with a three-pointer, and Flamengo's composed defensive intensity allowed them to extend their advantage. The quarter ended with Flamengo in control at 55-50.

Fourth Quarter

Flamengo never wavered in the final period, maintaining their rhythm and denying Minas any momentum. The lead grew steadily as both teams exchanged points down the stretch. A Negrete three-pointer with just over a minute remaining sealed Flamengo's 77-62 triumph.

Next Challenge

Searching for their first piece of silverware in the 2026-27 season, Flamengo returns to action on Saturday at 7:30 p.m., facing Brasília in the NBB Opening Tournament final at the Dona Salomé gymnasium.

Starting Five

Yago, Didi, Montero, Djalo and Manel.

Head Coach: Demétrius Ferracciú.