Flamengo Falls to Bauru in NBB Season Opener as Final-Second Heartbreak Strikes

Flamengo fell to Bauru 82–81 on Sunday morning (18) at Maracanãzinho, in the NBB 2026/27 season opener. In a tightly contested affair from start to finish, Rubro-Negro displayed resilience, even taking the lead in the final quarter, but suffered heartbreak in the closing moments. Point guard Yago was the standout performer for Flamengo, delivering 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists.

After a sluggish first half, Flamengo regrouped at the break and gained momentum, spurred by Yago's brilliance and crowd support inside the Maracanãzinho. The Rubro-Negro built a seven-point advantage in the fourth quarter but watched Bauru mount a comeback and seize control. In a dramatic finish, the Paulista squad converted the go-ahead basket in the final seconds to secure a one-point victory.

Flamengo's focus now turns to the second round of the NBB, when they face Botafogo next Tuesday (20) at 6 p.m. at Tijuca Tênis Clube behind closed doors. The classic was originally scheduled for Maracanãzinho but had its venue and time changed due to a court ruling tied to a Vasco versus Boca Juniors Copa Sudamericana match at the Maracanã on the same date.

First Quarter

The match got off to a competitive start at Maracanãzinho, with Bauru taking an early lead at 8–4. Flamengo responded with solid offensive execution, and after baskets from Didi Louzada and a three-pointer from Yago, they turned the game around 11–10. Both teams maintained an intense pace, making for a tightly contested opening frame that saw the score tied at 14–14. In the final moments of the quarter, Bauru gained a narrow edge and reached halftime leading 20–19.

Second Quarter

Flamengo opened the second period with a three-pointer from Luis Montero, but Bauru continued to apply pressure, stretching the lead to 26–22. Midway through the quarter, the game's pace slowed as both sides struggled to capitalize on offensive opportunities. With three minutes left before the break, Didi Louzada scored, drew a foul, and energized the home crowd at Maracanãzinho, putting Flamengo ahead 31–28. However, Bauru struck back, reclaimed the lead, and pushed it to 37–31. Douglas Santos managed to trim the deficit, but Bauru headed into the locker room with a 43–36 advantage.

Third Quarter

Flamengo came out firing after halftime, opening the third quarter with a 7–3 run in the first two minutes, including a basket from Ruan Miranda. The Rubro-Negro kept the pressure on, and with a three-pointer from Yago, cut the lead to just three at 52–49. Moments later, Yago again lifted the Maracanãzinho crowd with a basket-plus-foul, bringing it to 56–53. Playing at a high level throughout the quarter, the point guard struck again with another three-pointer to tie the game at 56–56. Despite Flamengo's comeback push, Bauru managed to hold on and took a 61–58 advantage into the fourth quarter.

Fourth Quarter

Negrete opened Flamengo's scoring in the final period, and Yago followed with a three-pointer to put the Rubro-Negro ahead 62–61. The point guard then nailed another triple, extending the lead to 65–61. With a 10-point run unanswered, Flamengo ballooned the advantage to 68–61 and took control of the game. The hosts built a comfortable lead but suffered a scare when Yago picked up an injury and had to leave the court. Shortly after, the point guard returned. Bauru fought back and regained the lead, eventually going up 76–74. In the closing minutes, the match turned dramatic, with both teams battling for every possession. With seconds remaining, Bauru went ahead 82–81. Flamengo had one final chance with 1.4 seconds on the clock, but Ruan's attempt came up empty. Thus, Rubro-Negro fell short 82–81 in the NBB opener.

Next Fixture

Rubro-Negro returns to the court on Tuesday (20) at 6 p.m. to face Botafogo at Tijuca Tênis Clube in the second round of the national competition.

Starting Lineup

Yago, Didi Louzada, Luis Montero, Yan Djalo, and Ruan Miranda.

Head Coach: Demétrius Ferracciú.