Flamengo defeats Botafogo 88-59 and takes the lead in the final of the Campeonato Carioca
With a rain of three-pointers, Leron Black was the highlight with 21 points and eight rebounds
By Romulo Paranhos - inWith a flurry of three-pointers and a great performance from the entire team, Flamengo defeated Botafogo 88-59 and took the lead in the first match of the Campeonato Carioca final. The duel was played this Tuesday (1) at the Tijuca Tênis Clube gymnasium. Leron Black was named the game's MVP with 21 points and eight rebounds.
The Mais Querido (Flamengo) started the first quarter trailing, with the black-and-white team capitalizing on offensive opportunities. Gradually, the red-and-black team found its footing and managed to turn the score around, hitting seven three-pointers. With this strong performance, Flamengo closed the quarter leading 27-22.
The Red-Blacks maintained the same momentum and began the second quarter looking to further extend their lead. Strong on defense and with quick transitions on offense, the Pride of the Nation chose the right plays and shot with precision, scoring key points that maintained a healthy 53-34 lead. Leron Black was the Red-Blacks' standout performer in the first half with 15 points and four rebounds.
Mengão returned for the third quarter controlling the score. Marquinhos returned to the court with a vengeance and took control of the game, scoring 14 points. With a significant lead, Flamengo continued to dominate the game and control the black and whites' attacking attempts with a well-positioned defense. The quarter ended 72-48 for the "Mais Querido."
In the last quarter, coach Gustavinho rotated the team and gave opportunities to the young players from the base, who got the job done and led Mengão to victory with a wide advantage on the scoreboard: 88 to 59. With the result, Flamengo takes the lead in the first game of the best of three of the State final.
SPEAK, MARQUINHOS!
"We had a very good performance in this first match of the Carioca final. Everyone played very well, and we defended well. We started a little off, but as the game progressed, we improved and emerged victorious."
Next Thursday (3), the Pride of the Nation returns to the court for the second game of the decision. The duel will be held in General Severiano, at 20 pm.
The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo receive funding from their sponsors – BRB, TIM, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, and EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and the State Incentive Law/Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat of Sports, Recreation, and Youth (Seelje), in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC) resulting from the decentralization of resources generated by the Pelé Law. The Anjo da Guarda Rubro-Negro Project, a personal tax transfer, benefits all Olympic sports of the Most Beloved.