Flamengo got off to a great start in the Brazilian Under-21 Basketball Cup this Monday (16). Playing at the Fluminense gymnasium, the Rubro-Negro faced the Paysandu (PA) team in the competition's debut. With a consistent game from start to finish, the result could not have been better: a resounding 81-34 victory. 

Point guard Matheusinho was the standout performer and top scorer of the match with 16 points, three assists, and two rebounds. Vitor Amorim and João Vitor França, the team's most experienced players, both with experience in the senior squad, also contributed to the team's strong performance with 9 and 11 points, respectively. 

A young talent from the Flamengo youth academy, shooting guard Lucas Aprígio showed personality and was an important part of coach Fernando Pereira's rotation. At just 17 years old, he finished the game with 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks, continuing his strong performances, already evident in the U-19 State Championship.

The Under-21 team's next match in the Brazilian Basketball Cup will be this Tuesday (17), at 10 am, against Pinheiros. In the duel between the group's favorites, Mais Querido seeks to secure its classification for the quarterfinals.