A strong score and qualification secured. That was the night for Flamengo basketball in Quito, Ecuador, this Sunday (February 16.02). Flamengo defeated Leones de Quilpue 116-80 and secured a spot in the second phase, the semifinal stage, of the League of the Americas. Marquinhos led all scorers with 31 points; Marcelinho led all assists with six; and Cristiano Felício led all rebounders with seven.

Marcelinho opened the scoring with a three-pointer, followed by Laprovittola, also from outside the box. Leones also hit two three-pointers, and the game remained evenly matched until the Chilean team stopped at 10 points and the Rubro-Negro grew into the match, with a dunk by Marquinhos, opening up a seven-point lead. Laprovittola, until then the leading scorer with 14 points, and Meyinsse were the team's standouts. The American also delivered a beautiful dunk as a gift to the fans. Flamengo prevailed and won the quarter easily: 40-20. With a stellar Marquinhos, reaching 23 points, the Rubro-Negro maintained their dominance on the court in the second quarter and went into halftime with a 68-36 lead.

In the third quarter, Flamengo opened up a 35-point lead, their largest to date. Without Marquinhos on the court for more than half the period, Laprovittola surpassed the forward in points, with 28. Young Cristiano Felício started the fourth quarter with a pass; Marquinhos then hit a three-pointer: Flamengo was on pace to secure its qualification. At the end of the match, with over 100 points scored and a 30-point lead over their opponent, José Neto was able to give the younger players some rhythm, who entered the court with the victory and qualification assured.