Flamengo began its quest for its fourth national championship with a stunning victory over Bauru. The Red-Black team took to the court on Tuesday night (May 26.05) at HSBC Arena determined to secure a strong result in the first game of the best-of-three series - and the only one in Rio de Janeiro. The 91-69 scoreline saw four players score 15 or more points in the match - Nico, Marquinhos, and Olivinha each scoring 15, and Benite scoring 16. 

Check out the photos of the confrontation.

The game
The first few minutes of the game began with a spectacular display from Flamengo. Marquinhos opened the scoring with a three-pointer. Shortly after, he delivered a beautiful pass into the paint, which found Meyinsse unmarked under the basket for the dunk. Then it was Nico's turn to make a beautiful skill move, handing the ball to the unmarked Olivinha, who scored beautifully with a layup. Halfway through the quarter, Flamengo held a ten-point lead, thanks to a three-pointer from Benite and another great play from Laprovittola (16-6). Olivinha also scored a three-pointer of his own, extending José Neto's team's lead to 12 points (21-9). The power forward also lifted the crowd in the stands with his trademark passion and celebration after scoring two points and converting a foul on the same play. The period closed at 28-18 for the Pride of the Nation.

In the second quarter, Marcelinho and Nico scored three-pointers and gave Flamengo a 13-point lead. With two free throws converted by Marquinhos, Flamengo reached its biggest lead so far: 40-25. Less than a minute before halftime, Herrmann hit a long-range shot and extended the lead to 19 points (45-26), which remained until the end of the period (47-28).

The desire to win continued after the players returned from the locker room. Olivinha was excellent in the paint, and Nico was an efficient playmaker. The number 7 led Flamengo to 60 points midway through the third quarter, while Bauru's scoreboard had just 32 points. With the basket, the Argentine reached 15 points and six assists, leading the team in both categories. With three minutes remaining in the final quarter, Flamengo already had more than double the score of its opponent (66-32). The period ended with the scoreboard reading an impressive 70-43 for Flamengo.

Benite and Marcelinho, each with a three-pointer, led the Pride of the Nation to 80 points in the opening minutes of the final quarter (80-48). Despite the more even score, José Neto's men could now safely manage the large lead they'd gained in the previous quarters. The team played very well, and the fans even began chanting "olé." In the final seconds, the fans, aware that victory was already assured, sang beautifully in the stands. 

1st quarter: Flamengo 28 x 18 Bauru

1st quarter: Flamengo 19 x 10 Bauru

1st quarter: Flamengo 23 x 15 Bauru

1st quarter: Flamengo 21 x 26 Bauru

Total score: Flamengo 91 x 69 Bauru

Top scorer: Benite (16 points)

Assists: Laprovittola (7 assists)

Rebounds: Felício (8 rebounds)