CORDOBA (Argentina) – It was a pivotal match for Instituto and its future in the competition. But Flamengo always has other plans, especially for important encounters such as this one. The current runner-up of the BCL Americas had an excellent third quarter and it demolished the team from Córdoba, achieving a difference that defined the match and maintaining its undefeated status in the tournament’s second edition.

The Brazilian team won 90-80 and it dominates Group D with a 5-0 record, with a postponed match from the first window also against Instituto. The beginning of the match and its first half was very close, Instituto stayed in the game thanks to Martín Cuello and Néstor Colmenares’ effort, who scored 23 combined points in that first half.

But they were facing the duo driving Flamengo’s success, Olivinha and Marquinhos, who took charge of the offense and showed how important they are.
Flamengo’s third quarter was demolishing, with that winning mentality that characterizes the team coached by Gustavo de Conti. That quarter ended 27-14, and it mentally destroyed Instituto. It was then that Rafa Hettsheimeir grew, and he ended the match as one of the highest points, with 17 points and 7 rebounds. They also had help from Leo Demetrio on the paint, with 14 points. Did Olivinha and Marquinhos shut down? No, not at all. Carlos finished with 12 points and 5 rebounds, and his teammate scored 15 points and helped with 3 assists.

Flamengo made his opponent pay for the 11 turnovers and cashed in on the fight for the rebounds (40-35), with help from the bench points (45 from the Brazilian bench against 31 from Instituto’s).

Instituto brought up its self-love and narrowed the difference thanks to the duo formed by Cuello (the match’s top scorer with 21) and Alessio, but it wasn’t enough to fight for the qualification to the next phase. Flamengo, on the other hand, is steadily moving forward in the tournament, with nothing but victories.

FIBA