In a game marked by excitement until the last second, Flamengo traveled to São Paulo and defeated Paulistano 94-93, anticipating the first place in the qualifying phase of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) with two games remaining in the second half. Forward Marquinhos was decisive in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, this Thursday (04/04), at the Antônio Prado Jr. Gymnasium. He finished the game as the top scorer with 27 points. Power forward Olivinha also stood out, with eight rebounds, and point guard Kojo finished the match with 15 points and five assists.

Despite trailing most of the game, coach José Neto's team showed its offensive prowess in the final minutes and pulled off the comeback that secured the away win. With 54 seconds remaining, Marquinhos hit a stunning three-pointer that put the Red-Blacks ahead for the first time in the quarter. Then, with just six seconds remaining, he hit two free throws to secure the final score: 94-93.

Thursday's game also marked Benite's return after a sprained left ankle that kept him out of the last match.

Ranked first, which guarantees home court in the Playoffs, Flamengo will face Tijuca on Monday (08/04) in a match postponed from the 11th round due to the Liga das Américas matches. The game will be at the Tijuca Tênis Clube gymnasium, at 20 pm.

Check the score by room:

Paulistano 93 x 94 Flamengo

1st 35 x 29
2st 17 x 17
3st 24 x 19
4st 17 x 29