Flamengo's first match in the League of the Americas was brilliant. On Friday night (February 14.02), the team won by 33 points against Puerto Rican opponent Capitanes de Arecibo. Fans in Quito witnessed a highly inspired Flamengo victory, with a score of 123 to 90. Marquinhos led Flamengo with 28 points. Meyinsse was also one of the team's standouts, scoring 27 points and being the leading rebounder with 9 rebounds; Laprovittola was Flamengo's waiter, achieving a double-double with 16 assists and 10 points.

 

José Neto's starting five were Laprovittola, Marquinhos, Marcelinho, Olivinha, and Meyinsse. The shooting guard was the standout performer in the first quarter, with 13 points, including three three-pointers. A well-rounded and experienced player, Marcelinho is expected to be a key player in the competition. Also performing well offensively, Marquinhos scored eight points. The first quarter ended with Flamengo ahead, closing the quarter at 26-17. While the first quarter was comfortably won by the Mais Querido, in the second quarter, Flamengo's offensive output declined significantly, and the team suffered a comeback. But Flamengo rallied in the match, with a strong performance from Meyinsse. Laprovittola, who surprisingly hadn't scored yet, scored both points to turn the score around for the red-blacks: 42 to 41. Arecibo managed to get back in front with three free throws, but, at the end, Marquinhos tied the game and the teams went to the locker room with the score at 44 to 44.

 

Meyinsse maintained his strong performance, both rebounding and shooting, and even gifted the fans with a beautiful dunk early in the third quarter. During this period, the center reached double figures with 13 points. Olivinha was on point and had an excellent second half. Meanwhile, Laprovittola excelled in assists and improved significantly throughout the game. The halftime break was very beneficial for the red-and-black team, which entered the game more focused and once again pulled away, heading into the final quarter with a large lead: 82-62. In the fourth quarter, the Mais Querido was impeccable. Meyinsse closed in on the game's leading scorer, Marquinhos, with 27 points to the forward's 28, and had an excellent game. In addition to the North American pivot, who had 100% success in free throws (12/12), Olivinha and Marquinhos dictated the rhythm of the team that, with ease, surpassed, and by far, one hundred points.

 

Flamengo's next challenge in the Liga das Américas will be this Saturday (15.02), at 23:15 pm, Brasília time, against Mavort, which is the host of group D and, therefore, plays at home.