The red-and-black battle continues in the 2009-2010 New Basketball Brazil. The current two-time national champion, coach Paulo Chupeta's team, faces another opponent on its way to a third consecutive national title. This Sunday morning's opponent, at 11 a.m., is Saldanha da Gama, last in the qualifying round, with just two wins in 14 games. Flamengo, in turn, has 10 wins in 14 matches and is tied with Minas Gerais in points. However, the Minas Gerais team has the advantage in points average, and therefore holds second place, while Flamengo is third.

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The red-and-blacks take the court still reeling from the injury suffered by point guard Duda in last Friday's match against Vila Velha, in Espírito Santo. Despite this, the CT scan the player underwent revealed no neurological injury. Another positive symptom occurred at dawn, when the player woke up with memory and no dizziness. Duda only felt a sore neck and has some memories of the game, but not of the foul he suffered.

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"Unfortunately, something happened that no one expected and that is completely reprehensible, but now it's time to focus on the rest of the championship and wish Duda a speedy recovery, as he'll soon be helping us again," explained winger Jefferson.

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In this second round of the Novo Basquete Brasil season, Flamengo continues its pursuit of Brasília, who currently holds first place in the standings with 12 wins in 14 games. The two teams have played in the last editions of the National Championship, and Flamengo prevailed in both and won the title.