Despite having a depleted squad, Flamengo secured its seventh victory in the State Championship. On Friday night (November 05.11), the team, which included three players from the youth team and one from the children's team, defeated Macaé 87-65 at the Municipal Club gymnasium, maintaining its unbeaten run in the competition. Marcelinho was the top scorer with 38 points. Flamengo's next challenge in the State Championship will be on Wednesday (November 10.11), against Cabo Frio, at 20 pm, at the Municipal Stadium.

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Flamengo took to the court with three absences: Duda, who will be out for five weeks due to a sprained right ankle; Teichmann, who is recovering from a left leg injury; and Jefferson, who has a grade 2 adductor injury in his right thigh. Just like in the first round, when they won by

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99-80, the game was tough. Flamengo started with a 10-3 lead and held the lead throughout the first quarter, closing at 26-17. In the second quarter, Macaé pulled back to 29-28, but Flamengo counterattacked again and went into halftime leading 44-37.

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The red-and-black team came back unfocused for the second half and allowed Macaé to tie (46-46) and then take the lead (48-50). But a three-pointer from Guto put Flamengo ahead again: 51-50. The red-and-black team managed to hold the lead until the end of the quarter: 59-51. In the last quarter, even with the youth players on the court, Flamengo managed to impose its rhythm and win 87-65.

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"I think it was worth it for the overcoming. The team suffered with the absences and the large number of fouls called on our centers. Even so, we won," said coach Paulo Chupeta, who praised the young Marcelão. "He didn't feel the weight of the jersey, scored, grabbed a rebound... He's a great prospect," he added.

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For center Bábby, the game started slowly, but Flamengo overcame the difficulties. "The important thing was that we won, and we're improving with each game," he said.

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Flamengo started with Marcelinho (38), Guto (11), Fred (14), Wagner (3) and Bábby (12). Entered: Átila (1), Marcelão (5), Hélio (3), Guilherme (-), Ricardo (-) and Luiz (-).

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CHANGE OF DATES

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Flamengo's NBB (New Basketball Brazil) debut against Cetaf/Vila Velha has been postponed to November 17.11th at 20 p.m. in Vila Velha. The match was originally scheduled for November 14th in Rio, but Flamengo lost home court status due to a Sebrae event being held at the HSBC Arena. As a result, the court will not be available for the match. On November 14.11th, Flamengo will face Tijuca at 11 a.m. at the Tijuca Tênis Clube gymnasium in the State Championship. The team's first home game will be on November 21.11st against Vitória.