In front of a packed Tijuca Tênis Clube and the tireless Flamengo fans, Flamengo secured their place in the semifinals of the New Basketball Brazil with an impressive result. In the fifth game of the best-of-five series against São José, only victory was enough. And it was with that victory that José Neto's team left the gym, but hardly any of them could have imagined the score would be so overwhelming. With great determination, speed, and skill, the athletes kept the nation singing throughout and defeated the team from the interior of São Paulo by a resounding 98 to 64.

Before tonight's match, the series was very even. In the first two home matches, Flamengo won the first and lost the second. In São Paulo, the Red-Blacks once again demonstrated their strength, winning the third match of the quarterfinals, but São José rallied in the fourth game and took the final back to Tijuca Tênis Clube.

FlaBasquete's next opponent is Limeira, a semifinalist for the first time in the competition, after winning the first playoff series in its history in the NBB, over Brasília, 3-1. The clashes do not yet have a date and time defined by the National Basketball League (LNB).

In tune with the electric Flamengo fans in the stands, Flamengo started the match at full speed, mastering counterattacks. Olivinha was one of the most active players in this type of play, hitting three layups in the first three minutes. The power forward led the way in the fourth quarter with eight points. Laprovittola was also one of the standout performers of the period, energizing the crowd with his speed and skill. The game remained evenly matched, with both teams taking turns leading the scoreboard. Before the clock expired, a three-pointer by Herrmann made it 21-18 to Flamengo.

The Argentine continued his calibrated shooting in the second period. After Laprovittola scored a three-pointer, Herrmann hit two more long-range shots, sending the red-and-black fans into a frenzy and forcing the opposing team to call a timeout. The Most Beloved saw their lead reach 11 points with a beautiful dunk by Cristiano Felício (37-26) three minutes before halftime. The Pride of the Nation went into the locker room leading 43-35.

With a Laprovittola pass to Marquinhos and a dunk by Herrmann, Flamengo started the third quarter at 100 mph. Marquinhos also hit four three-pointers that set the stands on fire and gave Flamengo a 25-point lead with just over two minutes remaining: 68-43. The experienced forward put on a stellar performance. With a slew of three-pointers and a dunk, Marquinhos and his teammates saw the team go into the final quarter with an impressive 72-45 lead.

Sharp, the number 11 opened the final period with another long-range shot, putting Flamengo 30 points ahead. In the gymnasium stands, the Nation reveled in a lively "olla." Spurred on by the fans who never tired of singing their love for Flamengo, the team played to the music on the court. With three minutes remaining, it was impossible for São José to overturn the score, which was 93 to 55 for the Pride of the Nation. Knowing that victory and a spot in the semifinals were only a matter of time, the fans in Tijuca threw a beautiful celebration. With a 98-64 victory to make history, the defending champions took another firm step forward in their quest for a fourth title.

1st quarter: Flamengo 21 x 18 São José

2st quarter: Flamengo 22 x 17 São José

3st quarter: Flamengo 29 x 10 São José

4st quarter: Flamengo 26 x 19 São José

Total score: Flamengo 98 x 64 São José

Marquinhos: 26 points

Laprovittola: 9 assists

Meyinsse: 10 rebounds