After 18 days without playing, they were yearning for a win. And the team suffering from Flamengo's thirst for victory was Paulistano. At the Antônio Prado Junior Gymnasium, the "Mais Querido" won the first game of the quarterfinals 100-91. Playing as if they were at home, José Neto's team felt no pressure from the opposing fans and, by the end of the first half, was already leading by 24 points. The standout performer of the match was shooting guard Benite. He had a 100% shooting percentage. He shot three three-pointers, two two-pointers, and three free throws. He made all of them and left the court with 16 points.

 

"The score doesn't show the difficulty we're facing. But it was good that we managed to open up this lead. We'll try to come back strong in the third quarter," said Flamengo's point guard Benite after the end of the first half, which ended with a 52-28 victory for Flamengo.

Paulistano came back strong in the third quarter, but they were unable to overcome Flamengo's advantage. In the final quarter, Flamengo recovered and opened up a significant lead again. Lacking the strength to stop Flamengo's strong attack, the home team was unable to get back on the scoreboard and ended up losing.

"Fortunately, I made my shots. Kojo was also spirited, Shilton blocked, Duda did well... But the important thing is that the team won. Now we're going home to play hard, attack consciously and try to win the next two games," said winger Marquinhos after the game.

The Mais Querido will play the second and third games of the series against Paulistano, in the NBB quarterfinals, in Rio de Janeiro, on May 02nd and 04th. Tickets for these matches are now available online. Fans can also purchase a package for both games for just R$30,00 (full price) and R$15,00 (half price, including those wearing the sacred jersey).