Three games and three wins! Flamengo beat Unifacisa this Saturday (14), 86-79, at Maracanãzinho, and ended their participation in the first bubble of the competition with a 100% success rate. Marquinhos was the top scorer of the match with 20 points and Olivinha had a double-double, scoring 15 points and getting 14 rebounds. The Pride of the Nation had already beaten Minas, in their debut, 102-68, and Fortaleza Basquete Cearense, last Thursday (12), 82-69. 

The game

With a strong defense on the opponent's court from the jump ball, Flamengo quickly took a 4-0 lead with quick plays from Marquinhos and Franco Balbi. After that, despite the number 11's excellent shooting, Unifacisa leveled the score, took the lead, and ended up winning the first quarter 27-25.

In the second period, the match remained evenly matched, with both teams trading points. For the red-and-black side, Marquinhos remained the standout, and Olivinha was another standout performer. The power forward was responsible for a sequence of plays that put the Mais Querido (Most Beloved) ahead: 37-36. The Paraíba team then came back again and went into the locker room leading 45-40.

Back on the court, the team managed to regain the lead on the scoreboard with a basket by Marquinhos (60 to 59). The rebounds made the difference, the counterattack improved and the two teams remained close on the scoreboard until the final minutes, when FlaBasquete managed to open up an advantage, closing the match at 86 to 79.

The Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Friday (20), at 21 pm, against Campo Mourão. On Sunday (22), at 19 pm, they face Pato Basquete. Both matches will be held at the Professor Hugo Ramos gymnasium, in Mogi das Cruzes.