On Thursday night (21.11), Flamengo won the classic against Palmeiras by 84 to 71, on the court of Ginásio Palestra Itália, in the first away match of the 2013/2014 season of Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB). The important victory, which kept Mais Querido with 100% success in the competition, came against a team that did not lose a single game at home in the second round of last season.

Flamengo entered the court with the quintet of Laprovittola, Gegê, Benite, Olivinha, and Meyinsse, who started as a starter in the paint, reclaiming the spot previously held by Shilton. While the Mais Querido entered with practically three point guards, Benite (shooting power), Laprovittola (point guard), and Gegê (point guard), Palmeiras entered with two centers, to fully exploit the paint.

The first quarter was evenly matched, ending in a 19-19 tie. With a strong performance and a beautiful dunk, Meyinsse excelled in the period. The American center and point guard Laprovittola led the way in the first half, with seven points each. In the second half, the teams weren't as good on offense as they were on defense. Flamengo finished with a 15-12 lead, 34-31. Flamengo extended its lead over Palmeiras in the third quarter, closing the quarter at 27-19. For Flamengo, American Tyrone was the standout player with beautiful dunks. Midway through the fourth quarter, Benite injured his left knee and was taken off the court on a stretcher. The medical department is still assessing the extent of the injury. On the court, Mais Querido continued to lead (23-21), with a dunk by Olivinha, who achieved a double-double, with 12 rebounds and 18 points.

Laprovittola was the top scorer and waiter for Rubro-Negro, with 30 points and five assists; Olivinha was the top rebounder, with 12 rebounds.

Coach José Neto praised his players' victory and lamented Benite's injury.

"This is our first away win. It's important at the start of the season, and against a team that was playing much better than us, it was a team effort to come away with the win. Now we're worried about Vitor (Benite), so that, God willing, it's not anything serious," said the coach.

Fla's next challenge in the NBB will be against Pinheiros, next Saturday, the 23rd, at 16 pm, at Poliesportivo H. Villaboim.