Flamengo finished the second half of the 2018 Campeonato Carioca with a masterful performance. Playing in Niterói against the home team, the "Mais Querido" (the most beloved team) won 89-56 and maintained its unbeaten streak in the competition, despite the absence of Anderson Varejão, Rafael Mineiro, and Jhonatan Luz, who were called up to the Brazilian national team. Now, the "Rubro-Negro" faces the same Niterói Basquete in a best-of-three semifinal matchup. 

The game

Niterói wanted to assert its home-court advantage and started by pressing and taking the lead. Still adjusting to the changes, Flamengo took a while to react, but finished the first quarter ahead, despite encountering some difficulties. In the second quarter, coach Gustavo De Conti spoke with the team and adjusted the work in the paint, which was essential for Mais Querido to emerge victorious.

With a strong rebounding performance from Olivinha, Nesbitt, and João Vitor, Flamengo demonstrated its game and continued to expand the lead. Up front, Argentine Franco Balbi, with his usual magic, and shooting guard Deryk Ramos, accurate on the fast break and with three-point shots, kept the game moving more and more smoothly.

Giving the youth players a chance, coach Gustavinho put Matheusinho, Camargo, Aprígio, and Ruan on the court, and the boys didn't disappoint. Eager to further demonstrate their worth, the Gávea youth players fought for every ball and all scored in the match. 

With the final whistle, it was another red-and-black victory and a 100% success rate for Flamengo. Franco Balbi, with 19 points, was the game's top scorer. João Vitor, with 15 points and 16 rebounds, achieved his first double-double for the senior team and also stood out. Deryk Ramos, with 15 points, and Olivinha, with 12 points, were also essential in another great result for the Pride of the Nation. 

The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo receive funding from their sponsors – thinkseg, Estácio, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, and EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and the State Incentive Law/Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat of Sports, Recreation, and Youth (Seelje), in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC) resulting from the decentralization of resources from the Pelé Law. The Anjo da Guarda Rubro-Negro Project, a personal tax transfer, benefits all Olympic sports of the Most Beloved.