Flamengo competes in the Super 8 in search of a spot in the 2019 Liga das Américas
Find out all about the quick competition that ends the year
By Lucas Dantas - in
Flamengo makes its Super 8 basketball debut this Saturday against Minas Tenis Clube at Arena Carioca 1, at 14 p.m. But what is the Super 8? What does it mean? Where does it lead? Why is Flamengo competing in this competition?
There are many questions, and we've put together an X-ray below to clear up any confusion. But the important thing, right from the start, is that Saturday is the day to support Mengão in basketball. Every fan base is essential to our advancement to the semifinals of yet another competition.
What is Super 8?
To add more excitement to the Brazilian basketball season, Novo Basquete Brasil has created another fast-paced competition for the last two weeks of the year. The Super 8 will feature the top eight teams from the NBB season in single-game duels, with the champion earning a spot in the 2019 Liga das Américas in October.
When will Super 8 be?
There will be two competition windows. The first will be from December 20th to 22nd, and the second from December 26th to 29th. Flamengo will play its match against Minas Tênis Clube on Saturday, the 21st, at 14 pm. There will be no NBB matches during this period.
Who plays Super 8?
The top eight teams in the competition have already been determined, with only the top spot remaining. Flamengo (3rd), Franca (1st), Pinheiros (2nd), Mogi (4th), Paulistano (5th), Minas (6th), Botafogo (7th), and São José (9th) have already qualified to play in the Super 8. The matchups will be 1st vs. 8th, 2nd vs. 7th, 3rd vs. 6th, and 4th vs. 5th. As Franca faces Joinville this Tuesday, the top spot could still change.
Where will the matches be?
The teams with the best records in the first round of the NBB will play their home games. Therefore, Flamengo (third place) hosts Minas Tênis in Rio. The remaining matches will be determined after each matchup.
How will the championship be broadcast?
As with the NBB, the games will be broadcast by Band, BandSports, ESPN, and Fox Sports. Flamengo's match, Saturday at 14 p.m., is on Band's schedule. The schedules for the remaining games will be announced as soon as the matchups are finalized.
How does FlaBasquete enter the Super 8?
Flamengo is in third place with 23 points and 10 wins in 13 games. They're tied with Pinheiros on points and ahead of the São Paulo team on goal difference, but trail due to their head-to-head record. Playing in Rio, the "Mais Querido" has five wins and only one loss. These numbers are similar to their away performance (5-2). With an average of 81.08 points, Flamengo ranks fifth among the NBB's top scoring teams. They lead the way in rebounds, averaging 42.77 per game. In assists, the "Pride of the Nation" also does well, ranking second, averaging 19.31 per game.
How to get to the game on Saturday?
There will be no ticket sales. The ticket will consist of a toy in good condition, which will be donated to charity to make Christmas a little brighter for some children. The exchange will take place on-site on the day of the game. Arena Carioca 1 offers free parking for those arriving by car, and the Parque Olímpico BRT station drops you off right outside the venue, with connection to the Jardim Oceânico subway station.
So, Saturday is the date. Arena Carioca 1, 14 p.m., Flamengo vs. Minas Tênis Clube. A spot in the Super 8 semifinals is at stake.
