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Flamengo debuted with a 93-91 defeat at the Basketball World Cup against NBA G-League United on Thursday morning (18) in a game of strong emotions. Current two-time champion of the competition, with titles in 2014 and 2022, Sérgio "Oveja" Hernández's team dreams of a third title. And, despite the defeat, they showed the power to react.

THE GAME

FlaBasquete started poorly against NBA G-League United, trailing by as much as 20 points . However, they picked up steam in the final quarter and staged a stunning comeback, taking the lead with just a few minutes remaining.

With Kayo Gonçalves and Alexey standing out, the Red-Blacks opened up a three-point lead with just five seconds remaining. But the opposition's response was immediate: two consecutive baskets put the Americans back in front .

There was still time for more excitement. Flamengo earned two free throws on the final attack and converted only one, leaving the game tied at 91-91. There were 2.5 seconds left on the clock. That was enough for NBA G-League United to find the decisive basket and close out the game at 93-91.

SITUATION IN THE COMPETITION

The defeat could have been devastating if Flamengo hadn't recovered after being 20 points behind. The reaction keeps the team alive in the fight for classification . Now, Rubro-Negro returns to the court this Friday (19), at 6 am (Brasília time), against the Illawarra Hawks, from Australia.

Flamengo basketball begins this Thursday (September 18), in Singapore, its journey in the FIBA Intercontinental Club Cup, considered the Basketball World Cup.

Flamengo faces NBA G League United (USA) at 6 a.m. (Brasília time) , with exclusive coverage on FlamengoTV throughout Brazil. On September 19, also at 6 a.m., the opponent will be the Illawarra Hawks of Australia. The decisive matches will take place over the weekend.

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PREPARATION IN EUROPE

Before the tournament began, Sérgio Hernández's team, Oveja, trained in Spain. The period included friendlies against local opponents and helped them adapt to the time difference . The coach highlighted the group's confidence and the club's facilities:

" We are very happy and excited to represent the continent in a competition of this magnitude. We want to put Flamengo at the top of the world – where it should always be, " said Oveja.

FlaBasquete, the current Champions League Americas champion, begins its quest for a third world championship this Thursday (18). With titles won in 2014 and 2022, the red-black team arrives at the 2025/26 season with the clear objective of repeating the feat in Singapore and consolidating itself as a global basketball powerhouse.

To achieve this goal, Flamengo formed a revamped squad, blending experienced players with promising young talents who embody the club's winning DNA. Argentine coach Sérgio Hernández, known as "Oveja," took over the team midway through last season and has already won the Champions League Americas.

STRATEGIC REINFORCEMENTS

FlaBasquete invested heavily to strengthen its roster. Among the reinforcements are Daniel Onwenu (formerly of Corinthians), Argentine Franco Baralle (formerly of Pinheiros), Wesley Castro, and Eric Buckner . The arrival of Dee Bost, an American point guard who became a naturalized Bulgarian, was a response to Baralle's injury, as he suffered an accident and will be out for the season.

With experience and versatility, Bost arrives to be a leader in decisive moments . Despite the departures of key players like Franco Balbi and Gallizzi, expectations are high for the team's performance at the World Cup.

SINGAPORE PREMIERE

Flamengo makes its World Cup debut this Thursday (18), at 6 am (Brasília time), facing the NBA G-League United team, from the United States. The match will be broadcast on Flamengo TV . The red-black nation is eager to follow the team in its quest for its third world championship , which could once again put Flamengo basketball at the top of the global stage.