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FlaBasquete kicked off its FIBA World Cup campaign with a daunting challenge. Champions League Americas champions faced NBA G-League United in pursuit of their third world title, but failed to secure a winning start .

The Americans opened up a 20-point lead, putting Flamengo in a difficult position. The comeback, however, came in the final quarter: Alexey and Kayo Gonçalves led a spectacular comeback , putting Flamengo ahead in the final minutes.

Alexey on FlaBasquete's defeat: "The problem was having to chase after it"

Despite their efforts, NBA G-League United regained the lead in the final seconds and won 93-91 . Mengão even tied the game before their opponents' final shot, but were unable to force overtime.

WHAT ALEXEY SAID

After the match, in an interview with Flamengo TV , point guard Alexey acknowledged that the late reaction cost the team dearly: “The problem was having to chase it down. We were slow to respond and only changed our approach when the lead was already significant . That was a big loss. But it was still a great game, decided by the details. We knew it would be tough. Now it's time to focus on the rest of the championship. We still have a chance to win the title, and we'll do our part.”

NEXT CHALLENGE

FlaBasquete returns to the court this Friday (19), at 6 am (Brasília time), against the Australians from Illawarra Hawks . The victory is essential to maintain the dream of the three-time championship and to seek another star for the Sacred Mantle of the sport.

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.