Now, just one more win is needed and Flamengo will qualify for the grand final of the Novo Basquete Brasil. That's because on Sunday night (19.05), at the HSCB Arena, the Mais Querido defeated São José 106-86 and turned the semifinal series score to 2-1. The red-and-black fans supported the team the entire time and, on the court, Olivinha was the highlight. With 18 points, he was the top scorer.

"The team played a great game, focused the whole time. Our defense shut down their key players. It was a great job today, but we need to stay grounded because we still have one more game to win," said center Olivinha.

Of Flamengo's 106 points, 35 were scored by players who started the match on the bench. Shilton, Duda Machado, Gegê, and Zanotti showed that coach José Neto can rest easy when one of his starters has to leave the game. Duda, for example, with 15 points, was only behind top scorer Olivinha and Marquinhos.

"A team that wants to be champion can't rely solely on its starting five. Our squad is very well-assembled and has a strong bench. That's why we're so close to securing a spot in the final," said shooting guard Duda Machado.

Next Thursday (May 23.05), the two teams will face each other again. The match will be played in São José dos Campos, at the Lineu de Moura Gymnasium, at 19 pm. If Flamengo wins, they will secure a place in the NBB grand final. If the São Paulo team wins, the fifth and decisive game of this semifinal series will take place at the HSBC Arena, next Saturday (May 25.05).