Flamengo's under-21 basketball team debuted with a thrilling victory in the Olympic Development League (LDO), the Brazilian Championship for this category. The team, led by Paulo Chupeta, defeated Pinheiros 83-77 in the first round of the competition, which is being played in São Sebastião do Paraíso, Minas Gerais. This Sunday (October 09.10), the Rubro-negro team returns to the court against Paulistano at 16 p.m.

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The first half was a close affair, with the score ending 45-45. With a strong performance from Flamengo's Fred Duarte, nicknamed "Varejinho," Flamengo managed to overcome Pinheiros late in the game. Fred recorded a double-double: 18 points and 18 rebounds. Another standout was point guard Gegê, who led the game with 23 points.

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"It was a very difficult game. In the end, we were better in attack and our greater experience also helped us secure this important victory," said Fred, who played for the senior team last season.