Flamengo accomplished its mission at Arena Carioca 1. And best of all: it emerged top. The victory was important, and FlaBasquete finished the NBB's first stage by defeating Universo/Vitória 89-75. But the best news came after the game. Caxias do Sul defeated Paulistano 81-80, and with that, Flamengo finished the NBB qualifying stage in first place, its primary objective in the competition.

Marquinhos was once again the standout for the red-and-black team. A strong candidate for the tournament's MVP, the number 11 scored 22 points, along with eight rebounds and two assists. Anderson Varejão recorded his third double-double of the competition, with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Marcelinho (18 points, six rebounds, and four assists) and JP Batista (nine points and five rebounds) also stood out. Olivinha scored just four points, but reached the 5.000-point mark in the NBB. 

Now, Mengão awaits the definition of the round of 16 between Vitória and Minas, but still with the possibility of being Pinheiros, and will only play again on April 17th.

Flamengo dominated from the start. With efficient marking, they kept Vitória at bay. Marquinhos stood out early on, scoring eight points and playing a key role in opening up a lead. With the collective play also working, confidence was high, and even Varejão took a shot from distance, hitting his first three-pointer against Flamengo. Vitória's favorite team built a double-digit lead and closed the half 23-12.

On the return leg, JP Batista led the way. The center commanded the Flamengo's offensive line, scoring eight points, and also scoring from deep, grabbing two rebounds and having a block. But the difference came from outside the arc. Pecos, Rhett, Marcelinho, and Pilar all put in the work and kept Flamengo ahead, even with a better second quarter from Vitória, who scored 23 points. But the Pride of the Nation went into the locker room with a 47-26 lead and a comfortable lead.

The third quarter wasn't a good one for Flamengo. It was the team's lowest scoring quarter (13 points), which caused Vitória to close in on the scoreboard. The balls refused to fall, while the opponent kept closing in, until they finished just 11 points behind (60 to 49).

For the final quarter, what was missing in the previous 10 minutes was more than enough. And Marcelinho was more than enough. The Captain, in his final game of an NBB qualifying round, scored nine points and, alongside Marquinhos (eight), led the team's comeback, which again opened up a lead to close out the score at 89-75 and another home victory. And the coveted lead.