The second round of the Novo Basquete Brasil tournament started well for Flamengo. The red-and-black team secured another victory in the competition this Sunday at the HSBC Arena. The red-and-blacks comfortably defeated Londrina, currently in eleventh place, and remain in contention to take the lead in the qualifying round from Brasília. With 26 points from Jefferson, the team from Gávea defeated the Paraná team 95-72, and saw the lead over the team from the federal capital narrow even further.

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The first two periods were dominated by Flamengo. Marking strongly and utilizing their signature high-speed attack, Flamengo had little trouble imposing their rhythm and opening up a lead. The first quarter saw them win 25-16, and the second, 22-18, sending the team into the locker room leading 47-34. Wagner, who replaced the injured Coloneze as a starter, was one of the game's standout performers, with 12 points.

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"Starting as a starter is different because you don't have the opportunity to have already seen the game and know exactly what needs to change, but I believe I came on well today and put in a good performance to help the team," said the number 7.

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The apparent calm eventually led the team to relax a bit at the start of the third quarter, and Londrina took advantage. The Paraná team not only reduced the lead but also finished the period ahead 23-21, thanks to a great performance by Fernando, who finished the game with 15 points. But in the final quarter, things returned to normal. Duda came off the bench to score 13 points, and leading scorer Jefferson, who finished the game with 26, with his consistently accurate shooting, helped the Rubro-Negro extend its lead and win the match 95-72.

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"I'm very happy to have helped the team, especially at a time when Londrina was coming back. The team played together, managed to maintain at least a ten-point lead throughout the game, and all the players did their part well. That's what makes Flamengo great and puts us in the running for the third title," said Jefferson.

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Now coach Paulo Chupeta will have a full week to work. Flamengo's next match isn't until March 8th, against São José, at the HSBC Arena.