Late drama: Flamengo win in Mexico, reach Libertadores semi-final | OneFootball

Flamengo overcame the Astros from Mexico, away from home, and secured a spot in the Final Four

Pure red-and-black spirit! With grit, a packed arena cheering against them, and on the last shot! From Friday (13th) night to Saturday (14th) morning, the basketball team of Flamengo qualified for the semifinals of the Basketball Champions League Americas (BCLA). With the winning basket on the last play, the Pride of the Nation defeated the Astros from Mexico 77 to 75, in a match held in Guadalajara.

With eight seconds remaining in the game, the match was heading to overtime, tied at 75 to 75. However, Argentine Negrete had the ball of the game, drove to the basket, was fouled, and even while falling, managed to make the winning shot with a beautiful drive. The point guard stood out in the match, scoring 12 points, second only to Gui Deodato (16) and Shaq Johnson (13) for Mengo.

HOW WAS THE GAME?

In the first match, at Maracanãzinho, Flamengo also defeated the Mexican team by a two-point margin. Thus, the challenge would not be simple for Sergio Hernandez's squad away from home. However, the Most Beloved surprised and took the lead in the first period, opening 25 to 16.

However, the excellent lead dropped in the second quarter. The Astros team, inspired by three-point shots, managed to close the gap. Therefore, the teams went to the locker rooms with Flamengo three points ahead (43 to 40).

The Astros continued to rise after the break. With Flamengo scattered and with low offensive efficiency, the home team managed to turn the game around. However, a three-pointer by Alexey at the end of the period kept Mengo alive in the duel. Therefore, the Mexicans took the lead: 57 to 55.

It turned into all or nothing in the last period. Flamengo started 'on fire' and turned the game with four consecutive points from Negrete. With one minute left in the duel, the Most Beloved was leading by four points, but the Astros caught up, tying the game at 75.

However, with eight seconds to go, Negrete made history and scored the basket for the win! Mengão in another BCLA semi, without the need for a third game (which would have been in Mexico, this Saturday, 14th). It's worth noting that the opponent had a 100% success rate in the competition until they met the Most Beloved.

WHEN IS FLAMENGO'S NEXT BASKETBALL GAME?

As a semifinalist in the Champions, Flamengo will await the results of the other playoffs to know their opponent. Meanwhile, the focus returns to the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB). On Thursday (19th), the Pride of the Nation faces Pinheiros at 6 PM (Brasília time), at Maracanãzinho.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.