RIO DE JANEIRO (Brazil) – Flamengo showed no mercy and crushed Paisas at the Maracanazinho Stadium with a commanding 102-65 victory, completing their BCL Americas Quarterfinal series sweep (2-0) and securing their place in the Final 4. Flamengo will face SESI Franca in the Semifinals.
Turning point
From the opening tip, Flamengo set the tone and dominated from start to finish. They took the first quarter 29-12 and by halftime, they were already up 66-33. By that point, the game was practically decided in favor of the home team, and the momentum remained unchanged throughout the second half.
Player of the game
Jordan Williams put on a show, scoring 25 points for Flamengo on an outstanding 10-of-11 shooting from the field, including 5-of-6 from three-point range. Gui Deodato followed with 18 points, while Alexey Borges registered a double-double with 12 points and 11 assists. Shaquille Johnson added another 12 points.
For Paisas, only Thomas Robinson reached double figures with 10 points. Head coach Daniel Seoane, facing a significant deficit, rotated all 11 available players.
Stats don’t lie
Flamengo was dominant in every aspect of the game. The team shot an impressive 56% from the field, including a remarkable 15-of-29 from beyond the arc (52%). In contrast, Paisas shot just 34% and struggled from deep, making only 3 of their 22 three-point attempts (14%). The Antioquian team committed 22 turnovers (16 in the first half), which Flamengo capitalized on to push the pace. This translated into a 32-9 advantage in points off turnovers and a 36-9 edge in fast-break points.
Bottom line
Flamengo will compete in their fifth Final 4 in six BCL Americas seasons, aiming for their second title (Season 2). They also hold three runner-up finishes. Despite the tough loss, Paisas made a solid international debut, reaching the Playoffs as the second-place team in Group A.
FIBA