Flamengo is one win away from the NBB final. The team secured a thrilling 92-80 victory over São José on Friday night (May 25.05) at the Tijuca Tênis Clube gymnasium, tying the semifinal series at 2-2. The final match will take place on Sunday (May 27.05) at 18 p.m. in São José dos Campos (SP).

Marcelinho led the way with 19 points, also reaching the seven thousand point mark in official matches for the Red-Blacks (he was five points short before the game). American Chris Hayes and winger Duda came on in the second half and also had standout performances.

"There were several important factors in our victory today: we played with great intensity, and the fans' support was also crucial. Furthermore, the players who came off the bench, like Chris and Duda, performed very well," said Marcelinho. "We've already celebrated the victory, but now it's time to forget about it and focus on the next match, which will be another life-or-death game for us," he added.

Duda highlighted the fans' support:

"Playing for Flamengo is always a special feeling, because of the fans. I'm sure many will come to the next game to support us again," he said.

The next match will be another decision for Flamengo:

"Now it's do or die again. We'll give it our all," concluded Caio Torres.

The first half was fairly even. After leading 24-20 in the first quarter, Flamengo went into halftime trailing by one point, 45-46. In the third quarter, the two teams continued to alternate the lead. In the final minutes, with a strong performance by American Chris Hayes, Flamengo opened up an eight-point lead, 70-62. With the advantage in the final quarter, Flamengo managed to control the game and close out the match at 92-80.

 

Flamengo started with: Hélio (13), David Jackson (13), Marcelinho (19), Kammerichs (16) and Caio Torres (11). Entered: Hayes (13), Fred (-), Teichmann (-), Duda (5) and Wagner (2).