It was a strong debut for American MJ Rhett and Venezuelan David Cubillan wearing the Sacred Mantle. Playing well, both were standouts in the red-and-black team's 62-58 victory over Bahía Basket (ARG) in the first game of the Lima International Tournament.

MJ Rhett, who nearly achieved a double-double (nine points and 11 rebounds), highlighted the team's maturity throughout the 40 minutes.

"A great debut. We started at a slower pace, after all, it was the first time I played alongside Cubillan and the other teammates. We played well. We were patient, defended well, and got the win. I felt good. Now we just have to keep going and let the game flow," said the American.

Cubillan, who scored nine points, distributed assists and showed he was comfortable wearing the Sacred Mantle.

"It was a good game to continue our preparations, against a team that is very physical and well prepared. It will help us a lot to get into the South American League with rhythm," he analyzed.

Tomorrow, Flamengo faces Regatas (PER) in the second round of the Lima International Tournament. Kickoff is at 21 PM, and @TimeFlamengo can follow it live on Twitter.

The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo receive funding from their sponsors – Estácio, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, and EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and the State Incentive Law/Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat of Sports, Recreation, and Youth (Seelje), in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC) resulting from the decentralization of resources generated by the Pelé Law. The Anjo da Guarda Rubro-Negro Project, a personal tax transfer, benefits all Olympic sports of the Most Beloved.