With qualification for the final hexagonal already secured, Flamengo ended its participation in the first phase of the South American Club League with a defeat to Quimsa (ARG), 82-77, on Sunday night (October 31.10st) in Santiago del Estero, Argentina. The Rubro-negro secured its place with a victory over Ianacap on Saturday night (October 30.10th) and Quimsa's victory over Malvin in the following match. Thus, the Brazilian and Argentinian teams could no longer be overtaken by the other teams.

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Flamengo fielded only eight players in Sunday's match. Duda, with a ligament injury in his right ankle, and Jefferson, with a strain in his right adductor, were on the bench. Marcelinho was the game's top scorer with 29 points. Bábby scored 16. Teichmann, who scored 11, was the leading rebounder, also grabbing 11 rebounds, thus achieving a double-double.

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In the first half, Quimsa had the upper hand. After keeping the game balanced until 6-6, Flamengo had trouble breaking through the Argentinians' defense, and Quimsa opened up a 14-6 lead. Flamengo couldn't overcome the deficit, and the home team finished the first quarter ahead 29-15. The difference increased even further in the second quarter, reaching 18 points: 35-17. Marcelinho converted three three-pointers, bringing Flamengo back into the game, but the Argentinians finished the first half winning 49-37.

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At the start of the second half, with Fred replacing Guto, the difference narrowed to three points: 49-43. The Argentinians' defense wasn't working as well anymore, and Flamengo closed the gap: 54-52. Wagner was fouled out. Quimsa won the third quarter 66-61. Flamengo tied the game early in the final quarter when Hélio made a basket and drew a foul, converting both shots: 68-68. After that, Flamengo wasted some counter-attacks, and Quimsa pulled ahead again: 77-70. The Argentinians capitalized on their lead and won the game 82-77.

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The final hexagonal tournament will be played from November 24th to 28th, and Flamengo is interested in hosting the competition in Rio de Janeiro. So far, in addition to Flamengo and Quimsa, Franca and Boca Juniors (ARG) have also qualified.

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"The team started unfocused in the first quarter, I think we lost the game there. After we got into the game, we didn't have time to turn it around. Furthermore, we missed Duda and Jefferson. We didn't have players to replace them and the players became exhausted. But we proved that we have a team capable of winning the South American Championship," said coach Paulo Chupeta.

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Flamengo started with: Marcelinho (29), Helio (9), Guto (2), Teichmann (11) and Bábby (16). Substitutes: Wagner (2), Fred (4) and Átila (4).