Ending 2009 with a flourish is the goal of the Flamengo basketball team this Wednesday night on Isla Margarita, Venezuela. Facing the local team Espartanos, the Flamengo team will be seeking a victory that could lead them to an unprecedented appearance in the Final Four of the Liga das Américas, the only competition this generation has played in but never won. However, Mengão isn't relying solely on itself to secure this spot. The team takes the court at 23:40 PM already knowing whether or not a positive result will be enough to advance them to the next round.

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All of this because the team was defeated by Halcones Rojos on Tuesday night. Because of this setback, Flamengo is tied with the Mexican team, which takes the court earlier, at 21 p.m., to face Capitanes de Arecibo of Puerto Rico. If Halcones prevails, Mengão is automatically eliminated, as the tiebreaker in the Liga de las Américas is head-to-head. However, if the Puerto Rican team wins the duel, Flamengo will only need a victory to secure its place in the final four.

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"Unfortunately, it's not just up to us, but the team is confident that it can secure this spot. We'll see what happens in the preliminary round, and if Puerto Rico comes out on top, we'll only need a win to qualify. It won't be easy, but we have a chance and we'll believe until the end, because we want this title," said center Coloneze, who has been with Flamengo since 2006 and, along with point guard Fred, is the longest-tenured player in the current squad.

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The opponent - Before the ball went up to Group B of the Basketball League of the Americas, despite being the home team, Espartanos de Margarita was considered by experts to be the weakest team in the group. However, in the very first match of the competition, they proved they could surprise, defeating Halcones Rojos in a thrilling game that went to two overtimes. In the following game, however, they were defeated by almost 20 points by Capitanes de Arecibo, demonstrating that the team seems to have its ups and downs. To advance to the next round, the team is hoping for a Mexican victory in the preliminary round, in addition to having to do their part and beat Flamengo.

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With a suggestive name, a tribute to the people of Sparta, Greece, known for their warrior heritage, this team is the home team and Flamengo's final opponent in the group stage. The team's star player is power forward/center Hector Romero, a starter for the Venezuelan national team. At 2.02'2.09" tall and very strong, he's capable of playing as a penetrating forward or a power forward. He's recognized for his incredible dunks. He's a player with experience in Italy and Spain. Margarita also has Richard Lugo, a XNUMX'XNUMX" center who is a strong presence in the paint.