In the last two years of the National Basketball Championship, Flamengo finished first in the qualifying round, and Brasília second. In both, both teams featured in the competition's grand finals, with Flamengo prevailing both last year and the year before. To replicate these achievements, coach Paulo Chupeta's team is on a roll in the 2009-2010 NBB, and is also counting on the help of its rivals from the federal capital.

\

This Sunday, Flamengo comfortably defeated Londrina at home, 92-75. Jefferson led the victory with 26 points. In an interview with Flamengo's official website shortly after the game, the number 18 emphasized the importance of the result. After all, Flamengo would be just two points behind Brasília.

\

"We're only two games behind them, and we have the whole championship ahead of us. We're on the rise, and I'm sure we'll have a great second half and fight for this third championship," he said.

\

Little did Flamengo's top scorer know that Universo had just stumbled against Palmeiras/Araraquara in São Paulo. This reduced Lula Ferreira's team's lead in the standings to just one point. Wagner, another standout for Flamengo in the victory over Londrina, downplayed their opponents' setback and assured that, regardless of what happens to Brasília, Flamengo will continue working hard in pursuit of the title.

\

"Our team deserves congratulations and must maintain this momentum to win the title. Regardless of what happens with Brasília, we'll do our job to try to finish first. Despite the injuries and the long time we've been out of action, we're improving in the championship and will continue to strive for the third title," he said.

\

Flamengo and Brasília still face each other before the end of the NBB qualifying round. The two teams will face off at the ASCEB Gymnasium in the capital at 11 a.m. on April 4th. In the first duel between the rivals, Brasília prevailed, 81-73, at the HSBC Arena.