Fla wins the first of four matches at Tijuca TC
Team maintains unbeaten run, which has lasted ten games, and isolated leadership
By Communication - Official Club Website - inFlamengo opened the four-game series at Tijuca Tênis Clube with its eighth victory in eight games in 2014. On Monday night (27.01), the team beat Espírito Santo 90-73 and remained in sole leadership of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB). While Marcelinho was the top scorer of the match, with 25 points, Olivinha was the biggest rebounder, with nine rebounds, and Gegê was the leader in assists, with eight.
Marcelinho opened the scoring with a three-pointer. Shortly after, Rashaun, for Espírito Santo, returned the ball and tied the game, becoming one of the highlights of the quarter for the Espírito Santo side. For Flamengo, Marcelinho was the leading scorer, scoring 13 of Flamengo's 22 points in the quarter. In the second quarter, Laprovittola led the way with eight points, and Washam and Felício with three rebounds each. Gegê excelled in assists, with five, and also had a good game. Flamengo extended its lead and went into halftime with a 45-29 lead.
Just like in the first quarter, Marcelinho opened the fourth with a three-pointer, his fourth in five long-range attempts. And the shooting guard was on fire. In the third quarter alone, he added 12 more points. Marquinhos and Meyinsse were the team's second-highest scorers, with ten points each. Flamengo began the fourth quarter with a 22-point lead over Espírito Santo. With the significant lead, coach José Neto opted to give rhythm to the players who had played less time in the match, which Flamengo won comfortably.
"Congratulations to the team. I think it was a good game. The team performed well once again. We were able to rotate players a lot and give rhythm to those who needed it. It was an important victory, and we win every game as a team. That's the goal: to improve and finish first in the first phase, so we have an advantage in the playoffs," said Marcelinho, the match's top scorer.