Flamengo won its second consecutive Avianca Cup victory on Friday night. In the clash between the red-and-blacks, FlaBasquete defeated Vitória at the Minas Tênis Clube gymnasium by a score of 90-83, and now has two wins and one loss in three matches. "Mais Querido" won't play on Saturday and returns to the court this Sunday at 17 pm against Vasco da Gama. Their traditional rival is leading the competition with two wins in two games. 

With 33 points, Marquinhos led the way as the game's leading scorer. In the first quarter alone, the number 11 scored 15 points. JP Batista and Cubillan, both with 16 points, also led the team's scoring list in the game. 

After the match, the winger commented on his great performance.

"Since I arrived in Belo Horizonte, I've felt at ease. I was rested in the first game, but yesterday I played a little more. I'm trying to help the team as best I can. Marcelinho, Olivinha, and I are the most experienced players on the team, and in certain games we have to shoulder the responsibility. We're a new group, and we're adapting more and more. Fortunately, today the ball dropped, and we managed to come away with the victory, which is of the utmost importance," declared the match's top scorer.

The game

As expected, the match was evenly matched throughout. Flamengo and Vitória already know each other and have faced each other a few times this season, which helps the teams defend themselves and avoid surprises. But with Marquinhos in control, Flamengo won the first half 29-28. The advantage was small. 

In the second quarter, Vitória took more risks, and Flamengo's shots weren't falling as readily. Marquinhos was the top scorer again, but Flamengo's performance was significantly lower than in the previous 10 minutes. Vitória capitalized, closing the half with a 48-49 lead. 

Somehow, the halftime break negatively affected both teams. The third quarter was a low-scoring quarter, with each team scoring fewer than 20 points, saving the action for the end. 

And what a finale. The trio of Cubillan, Marquinhos, and JP turned the game around. But Vitória wouldn't let Flamengo escape. The lead remained at around four points, and with three-pointers, the Bahians kept coming. But it was up to Marquinhos, the night's MVP, to decide the game. With a playful run and dunks that brought the stadium to life, the number 11 finished off the fourth in a memorable performance. A 90-83 victory secured, and now it's time to turn their attention to Vasco.

The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo receive funding from their sponsors – Estácio, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, and EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and the State Incentive Law/Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat of Sports, Recreation, and Youth (Seelje), in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC) resulting from the decentralization of resources generated by the Pelé Law. The Anjo da Guarda Rubro-Negro Project, a personal tax transfer, benefits all Olympic sports of the Most Beloved.