Mengão won the first game of the Novo Basquete Brasil final. This Sunday, with a packed Maracanãzinho (more than 7 thousand fans in attendance), the Mais Querido defeated Franca by 82 to 68.

Olivinha was the game's standout performer. A strong defensive player and a monster on offense, the basketball God of Race scored 23 points and was the top scorer, leaving Franca's Lucas Dias in the dust. In addition to his 23 points, Olivinha also had eight rebounds and eight assists. Truly impressive numbers. 

Other standouts for Flamengo were winger Marquinhos and center Anderson Varejão. The former scored 14 points and was also crucial defensively. Varejão, in turn, scored 10 points and put on a show of blocks on defense.

"We have to enjoy this victory now, it gives us a lot of confidence. We have to go into Game 2 with the same mentality. The same aggressive defense. Defensively, we have to continue this way. I'm happy we did it today, but we're already behind. Starting tomorrow, we'll work towards Game 2," said Marquinhos, who took the opportunity to praise the Nation.

"Our fans are incredible. When we need them, they show up. That was evident today. They came into the game when we needed them. They responded very well," he analyzed.

Flamengo and Franca will face each other again on Thursday, at Pedrocão, in Franca (SP).