Qualified! In the quarterfinals of the Champions League of the Americas, FlaBasquete defeated Caballos de Coclé 74-59 this Saturday (10), at the Polideportivo Alexis Argüello gymnasium, in Managua, Nicaragua. The Pride of the Nation's highlights in the match were Marquinhos and Lucas Martinez, both with 14 points. With the victory, Mengão guaranteed qualification for the semifinals of the tournament.    

The game
Flamengo's first five points of the first quarter were scored by Hettsheimeir, with a two-pointer and a three-pointer. The red-and-black team found it easy to set up its offensive plays and managed to open up a good lead on the scoreboard. Marquinhos and Lucas Martinez also converted three-pointers for Mengão. Dominating throughout the first quarter, the Pride of the Nation finished ahead 21-8.

In the second quarter, FlaBasquete continued with high intensity. In a beautiful play, Marquinhos found a perfect pass to Leo Demetrio, who was open, and he scored two more for Mengão. The Caballos team stepped up their game and managed to close the gap. At a key moment in the period, Jhonatan Luz converted a three-pointer, preventing the Panamanian team from coming back. The Rubro-Negro went into halftime with a nine-point lead: 35-26.

Early in the third quarter, Caballos closed the gap to four points. But Mengão quickly responded with Marquinhos, who took responsibility and converted a three-pointer. Lucas Martinez received an open ball and also scored three more points. In the final minutes of the period, Flamengo opened up a strong lead again: 53-42.

In the final period, Martinez showed his skill and once again scored another three-pointer. Rafael Mineiro and Yago also tried from outside the perimeter, scoring six more points for Mengão. In the final stretch of the quarter, Leo Demetrio tried his luck for a three-pointer, and the ball went in. Dominant throughout the game, the red-and-black team managed its advantage and left the court with a guaranteed place in the semifinals: 74-59.

Highlights
Marquinhos – 14 points and 8 rebounds;
Lucas Martinez – 14 points;
Rafa Mineiro – 12 points;
Hettsheimeir – 9 points and 7 rebounds.

Next appointment
The Pride of the Nation returns to the court this Sunday (11) to face São Paulo, in the semifinal of the Champions League of the Americas. The match takes place at 19:40 pm at the Polideportivo Alexis Argüello gym, in Managua.

Starting Quintet
Yago, Lucas Martinez, Marquinhos, Leo Demetrio and Hettsheimeir.


The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo rely on resources from their sponsors – BRB, TIM, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and State Incentive Law/State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure and Youth (Seelje) of Rio de Janeiro, in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC).