Saturday is NBB classic day. Seeking their ninth consecutive victory in the competition, Flamengo will face Vasco da Gama at São Januário, starting at 14 p.m., potentially closing in on second-place Pinheiros with three rounds remaining. Flamengo won't leave Rio until the end of the qualifying round, facing Brasília and Basquete Cearense before the final round. With 42 points, Flamengo is already guaranteed a spot in the NBB quarterfinals. 

In the last game, the duo of Marquinhos and Olivinha shone, leading the team to an 80-72 victory over Bauru. The two players combined for 46 points, playing crucial roles in each half. With the win, the team reached an 82.6% success rate. 

Flamengo vs Vasco

Although the teams have a long history of rivalry in basketball, they have only played five matches in the NBB. Flamengo has a much greater advantage, with four wins and only one loss. Flamengo hasn't lost to their rival since 2016. In the last meeting in the Nacional, Flamengo won 1-90 at Arena Carioca 70, a historic moment for Marquinhos. With a stunning first quarter, Mengão took a 51-24 lead. And the forward was the star of the match, reaching the 6.000-point mark in the NBB. This was also the match with the largest point difference between the two teams. 

the opponent

Vasco da Gama is in a tough spot compared to Flamengo in the competition. Sitting in 13th place, the team needs a win to stay in the relegation race. They have only five wins in 23 games and have lost eight straight. 

Red-black cast

These are the players named by coach Gustavo De Conti for the classic. 

Shipowners: Franco Balbi and Davi Rossetto

Shooting guards: Deryk Ramos and Kevin Crescenzi

Wings: Jhonatan Luz, Marquinhos and Aieser

Power forwards: Olivinha and David Nesbitt

Centers: Rafael Mineiro, Anderson Varejão and Ruan