Flamengo won another match in the New Basketball Brazil (NBB) on Saturday night (08.03). The championship's sole leader defeated Bauru 85-66 on the court at Tijuca Tênis Clube. Marcelinho was the team's top scorer with 20 points; Gegê, with seven, provided the most assists to his teammates; and Olivinha, with eight rebounds, was the team's top rebounder.

The first quarter was a difficult one for both teams, with many mistakes. The final score set the tone for the match: just 12-7 for Bauru. Among the red-and-blacks, Olivinha excelled in rebounding, with two offensive and three defensive rebounds. The team started the second quarter much better, and the red-and-blacks came from behind. Point guard Gegê was also a standout, with six points and four assists. As the players headed out for halftime, the scoreboard showed the game's improvement: 33-27.

Flamengo came back strong. Marcelinho, with five points and three assists, thrived. Felício came on strong and excited the crowd with a beautiful dunk. The final quarter was more evenly matched, but Flamengo had already built up a healthy lead and, led by Marcelinho, secured the victory 82-62. 

"The team started off a little off, making mistakes we don't usually make. After the first quarter, we were able to communicate well, and in the second quarter things changed, and we were able to set our own pace. We had plenty of time to talk in the locker room during halftime; Neto corrected our mistakes and gave us more encouragement. We know that every game from now on is crucial for us, not only in the NBB but also in the Liga das Américas, which is the Libertadores of basketball for us. We have to be confident and aware of how difficult it will be. Today we had a good performance in the second half; congratulations to the team, and we'll stay focused. I'd also like to thank everyone who made my birthday incredible. It was definitely the best birthday of my life, seeing everyone singing happy birthday and coming away with the victory, with the team playing like this," celebrated young point guard Gegê, who turned 23.