Flamengo beat Corinthians 94-88 on Wednesday night (14), in the match that kicked off the team's marathon of games at Maracanãzinho this January. The match was valid for the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB), a competition that Flamengo currently leads with 19 wins in 22 games. 

The two teams with the largest fan bases in Brazil put on a great game at Maracanãzinho. The match started back-and-forth, with excellent offensive play from both sides. It was towards the end of the first quarter that Flamengo managed to string together a good run and opened up the first big lead of the night. From then on, the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved) team controlled the action and dominated the match. Once again, youngsters Matheus Gueiros and Manel got playing time due to injuries in the squad and contributed very well, with the point guard being one of the team's standouts with 13 points. Good performances from Negrete, with 17 points, Gui Deodato, with 15, and Markeith Cummings, with 14, sealed another victory for FlaBasquete in the NBB. 

Now, Flamengo is preparing to switch gears and attack its continental commitment with all its might. On Saturday (17), the Rio de Janeiro window of the Champions League Americas (BCLA) will kick off, where the Pride of the Nation will face Obras, from Argentina, and Nacional, from Uruguay (on the 19th). The novelty is that tickets are free for the Biggest Fanbase in the World, with the redemption of the coupon “EUVOU100” at ingressos.flamengo.com.br.

Highlights:

Negrete - 17 points

Gui Deodato - 15 points 

Markeith Cummings - 14 points 

Gueiros - 13 points

Next challenge

Pride of the Nation returns to the court next Saturday (17), to face Obras, at 19:10 pm, at Maracanãzinho, for the first of two matches in the Rio window of the BCLA. 

Starting Quintet

Baralle, Alex Negrete, Gui Deodato, Markeith Cummings and Wesley Castro.

Coach: Sergio Hernandez.