Flamengo confirmed its strength in the season and beat Franca at Tijuca Tênis Clube this Saturday (16.01). After taking the lead in the competition with Paulistano's defeat in Friday's round (15.01), the three-time champions reached their seventh consecutive victory with the support of the Nation, in Rio de Janeiro, to win 83 to 73.

Growth
For coach José Neto, the milestone is the result of the team's rise in the tournament. But he still sees room for further improvement.

"The way we're playing is a consequence of the team's growth. But we still have a lot to improve, especially in being more consistent in the way we play, and that's a daily thing, it's the number of games... These are the things that make us consistent and play the way we need to," Neto declared.

Numbers
In 16 games, the Mais Querido won 13. Ten players scored, and the red-and-black team's top scorer was center JP Batista, who scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds. With 15 and 13 points, respectively, forward Marquinhos and center Meyinsse also stood out.

Personal Brand
Olivinha reached 4,000 points, becoming the sixth NBB player to achieve this feat. He is joined by teammates Marcelinho and Marquinhos, who had already broken the record.

Pressure
With the lead, the team knows it will attract more attention from its opponents. A position the Pride of the Nation has become accustomed to in recent years.

"We were already a target to beat. Now that we're in first place, every team will want to beat us, and a marathon of games begins, with the Liga das Américas and the NBB. Our opponents will certainly be focusing much more on us," said Rafa Luz.