On Saturday night (May 17.05), Flamengo took an important step towards a spot in the final of the New Basketball Brazil (NBB). Away from home, the Rubro-Negro defeated Mogi das Cruzes 80-78 and needs one more win to reach the final, aiming for their third championship title. Marquinhos led all scorers with 29 points; Meyinsse had five rebounds, and Nico had nine assists. Cristiano Felício also stood out, coming on very well and scoring the decisive basket.

The game started tough for Flamengo. The opposing fans were loud, and Mogi was ahead with half of the first quarter remaining. Coach José Neto called a timeout and set things right: Olivinha and Nico hit two three-pointers in a row, and the match remained more even. With another long-range shot, Marquinhos leveled the score at 13-13. With a beautiful block in the final seconds, Washam prevented Mogi from taking the lead, and the first quarter ended with Flamengo leading 19-18. In the second quarter, the teams alternated the lead until Flamengo broke through. With a three-pointer and a two-pointer from Olivinha, Flamengo reached its largest lead of the match: 28-20. The team was well-versed in long-range shots, and the lead increased to ten points midway through the quarter. From then on, Mogi grew in the game and the teams went into the break separated by just three points, scored by a basket by Marquinhos at the end of the clock: 40 to 37 for Fla.

The game remained fiercely contested in the third quarter. Mogi took the lead, opening up a 49-44 lead. With a three-pointer from Nico, Flamengo pulled back. Young center Felício came out inspired and scored two consecutive three-pointers, turning the game around for Flamengo. Marquinhos's subsequent basket prompted the opposing coach to call a timeout. Flamengo went into the fourth quarter leading 55-51. In the fourth quarter, the teams maintained their strong pace and took turns leading the way, hitting three-pointers and dunks. Felício had one of his best games in the NBB, with 10 points and four rebounds. With his seventh three-pointer, Marquinhos put Flamengo ahead, but Mogi quickly tied the game again. The final seconds were fiercely contested, and Felício scored the basket that sealed the score at 80-78.

"This kid (Felício) deserves it. He played a great game, and he was there when we needed him. In the decisive moments, we had a brilliant guy. We had faith to win, knowing it would be difficult," said Marquinhos. Felício continued, "I've been training hard, and my teammates help me and give me confidence for these moments. I took it and decided," he celebrated.

Fla's next challenge will also be in Mogi, next Monday (19.05), at 19 pm. Flamengo fans can cheer for Orgulho da Nação by watching the match on the Sportv channel.