The team led by José Neto won the first of two friendlies against the Bahian team Vitória on Tuesday night (26), at the Hélio Maurício Gymnasium, in Gávea, by 74x66. The games are valid as preparation for the first phase of the South American league, in Colombia, next week. 

Showing great intensity from the start, the Red-Blacks maintained their lead throughout. With 17 points, center JP Batista led the way in the friendly, but the one who stole the show once again was point guard Arthur Pecos, who drew applause from the crowd in the gymnasium.

"Arthur understood the purpose of the match well and knows he can contribute a lot to our team with the intensity he plays. That was the goal when we signed him, and he's delivering very well on the court," said Neto.

Wearing the Sacred Mantle for the first time, Henrique Pilar commented on his debut.

"I think it was a very good debut. We managed to win the game and we're improving even more in preparation for the South American. I know I still have room to grow, both tactically and physically, but I'm working daily with the group to achieve that," says the player, who arrived in Gávea a few days ago to strengthen the paint. 

Another player who impressed the nation at the Hélio Maurício stadium was American MJ Rhett. With 11 points in the match, the power forward showed improvement since his debut in Peru. He left the court to a standing ovation after the substitutions.

FlaBasquete will face Vitória again this Wednesday afternoon (27), at 18 pm, at the same location. Entry is open to the public and just bring 1kg of non-perishable food to guarantee access to the gym. The fundraising campaign is in partnership with Estácio, sponsor of the red-black team, and the items will be donated to the Solar Meninos de Luz institution, which serves 400 children and young people full-time from the communities of Pavão-Pavãozinho and Cantagalo, in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro.