In search of a second championship, FlaBasquete faces São Paulo in the Super 8 final

The decisive confrontation takes place this Saturday (23), at 16 pm, at the Antônio Prado Jr. Gymnasium.

By Helena Petry - in 22/01/2021 às 15:59

There are 24 hours left until the ball goes up and FlaBasquete holds, this Friday (22), the last training session before the Super 8 final. On Saturday (23), at 16 pm, Rubro-Negro measures forces with São Paulo, at Ginásio Antônio Prado Jr. (SP), in search of the second cup in the competition. The Pride of the Nation won the title of the first edition of the championship in 2018, beating Franca 79 to 75. The clash that will decide the champion of the 2020-21 season will be broadcast by ESPN, TV Cultura and DAZN.

A great highlight and top scorer of the last victory, with 20 points, Franco Balbi analyzed the team's preparation for the decision and spoke about the motivation to enter the court after the team's last training session in Rio de Janeiro, on Thursday morning (21).

"We had little time to prepare for the match against São Paulo, but we trained well, everyone is focused on what we want to do. We're going to another final; it's not easy to reach a final, but we're always there, always fighting. I think there are high expectations for this game; it's a team that's been a bit difficult, but we'll face it in the best way possible and try to bring home another trophy for all of us, to celebrate together, even from afar, with all our fans. So that's my message: we'll leave everything on the court to win another title for Flamengo," the point guard assured.

The 2018 MVP and one of the highest scorers in the match against Bauru last Tuesday (19), in the competition's semi-final, winger Marquinhos analyzed personal and collective training.

"I'm trying to make the most of it, focusing on what I'm going to do in the game. I think we need to work a little more on rebounding, trying to help with that aspect, which will be crucial to the match. Distribute the play well, try to involve my teammates and put them in good situations so we can win collectively, and when it's time to use our individual skills, try to get three-pointers, make things difficult, and do something to help Flamengo come out on top," said the number 11.

After finishing the first round of the NBB qualifying phase in second place, FlaBasquete faced Franca in the first match of the Super 8 and won 90 to 79. Against Bauru, the score of 72 to 65 guaranteed the victory and a place in the final.

The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo rely on resources from their sponsors – BRB, TIM, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and State Incentive Law/State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure and Youth (Seelje) of Rio de Janeiro, in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC).