

A thrilling Novo Basquete Brasil showdown on May 11, 2026, saw Flamengo suffer a narrow 90–98 defeat at home against a resilient CAIXA Brasília Basquete side. The result snapped Flamengo’s three-game winning streak and handed Brasília a crucial victory in the race for playoff positioning.
Match Overview
The game was tightly contested throughout, with neither team able to build a margin larger than eight points until the final minutes. Flamengo, playing in front of a passionate home crowd at Ginásio do Maracanãzinho, started strong behind their star guard, but Brasília’s disciplined defense and efficient offense kept them in striking distance. The visitors took their first lead of the second half with 5:32 left in the third quarter and never looked back, outscoring Flamengo 30–23 in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
Key Moments
- Third-quarter turning point: With the score tied at 60, Brasília’s Andre Santos hit back-to-back three-pointers to spark a 10–2 run that gave them a lead they would not relinquish.
- Flamengo’s missed chances: Trailing 86–88 with under two minutes to play, Flamengo missed three consecutive jump shots, allowing Brasília to extend the lead on a put-back by center Pedro Lima.
- Free-throw clinic: Brasília converted 21 of 24 free throws in the final period, turning the game into a foul‑fest that favored their composure.
Tactical Story
Flamengo’s game plan revolved around feeding the ball inside to their towering frontcourt, but Brasília countered by double‑teaming the post early and forcing Flamengo’s guards to shoot from deep. The home team obliged, attempting 34 three‑pointers but making only 11 (32.4%). Brasília, by contrast, attacked the rim relentlessly, shooting 52% on two-point attempts and getting to the free‑throw line 32 times to Flamengo’s 18. The visitors also dominated the offensive glass, grabbing 13 rebounds to create second‑chance points that proved decisive.
Standout Players
For CAIXA Brasília, guard Andre Santos was unstoppable, tallying 27 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds while shooting 5-of-8 from three. Forward Luis Henrique added a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds, anchoring the inside presence. Flamengo’s Diego Oliveira led his team with 22 points and 9 assists, but his shooting percentage dipped to 40% as he forced contested looks down the stretch.
Season and Table Impact
The victory moved Brasília to 17–10 on the season, solidifying third place in the NBB standings and closing the gap to second‑placed Flamengo, who now sit at 19–8. Flamengo’s lead over the chasing pack shrank to just one game, making the upcoming head‑to‑head matchups critical for playoff seeding. For Brasília, the win was a statement that they can compete with the league’s elite on the road.
