In its debut in the Super 8 Cup, Flamengo entered the court on Sunday night (05) and beat Corinthians 86 to 66, in a match played at Arena Carioca 1, in Barra da Tijuca-RJ. Olivinha was the highlight with 24 points and 11 rebounds, reaching a double-double in the match. With the victory, the Pride of the Nation is classified for the semifinals of the competition and will face Pinheiros.

The game
The match started fairly evenly, with Corinthians scoring the first two points of the match. The red-and-black team made some mistakes on the attacking runs, wasting shots. The São Paulo team was organized, managing to work the ball well on offense, converting baskets. With Deryk's entry onto the court, Flamengo improved its playmaking and managed to reduce Corinthians' lead, winning the first period 23-17.

Early in the second quarter, Franco Balbi hit a three-pointer for the Red-Blacks. Despite coming back more alert defensively, the "Mais Querido" (the most beloved team) still made some mistakes on offense. Demétrio, with a three-pointer, narrowed the deficit to just two points, leaving the match fairly even. Corinthians continued to play better and finished the quarter ahead 37-36.

The Pride of the Nation came roaring back in the third quarter and quickly turned the score around. The red-and-black team, well-rebounded on defensive rebounds, quickly transitioned to attack, surprising the São Paulo team and opening up a healthy lead. Olivinha was the red-and-black's standout performer, showing great energy on the court and hitting accurate three-pointers. Argentines Balbi and Deryk took turns on the court, confusing the Corinthians defense when setting up plays. Mengão ended the quarter leading 59-54.

In the final quarter, the "Mais Querido" (the "Most Beloved") maintained its momentum and opened up an even bigger lead. Olivinha continued his accurate scoring, achieving a double-double in the match. Corinthians wasted some offensive possession, making Flamengo's defensive work easier. In the final minutes, the "Pride of the Nation" remained organized and easily set up offensive plays, converting points and securing the red-and-black victory by 86-66.

With the result, Mengão secured a place in the semifinals of the Copa Super 8 and will face Pinheiros. The match will be played next Wednesday (08), at 21:10 pm, again at Arena Carioca 1.

Starting lineup
Mineiro, Olivinha, Zach Graham, Marquinhos and Balbi.


The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo receive funding from their sponsors – BRB, TIM, 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.