Flamengo had a gala performance late in the afternoon this Tuesday (30), beating Pato Basquete 95-64, at Arena BRB Nilson Nelson, in Brasília, in the second round of the NBB Opening Tournament. With the result, Rubro-Negro secured the leadership of Group B of the competition and already knows that it will face Unión Santa Fé, from Argentina, in the semifinal of the tournament next Thursday (2), at 17:30 pm. The match will mark the Nation's reunion with point guard Franco Balbi, an idol of the club and point guard of the Argentine team. 

The standout performer of the victory was shooting guard Alex Negrete, who finished as the game's top scorer with 25 points and 7 rebounds. After the game, the Argentine praised the team's collective performance and progress.

"I'm very happy with the result, with the performance we played. We're working hard together as a team. I believe we're doing things well, but we'll continue to focus on improving to reach the level we aspire to," he stated.

A fellow countryman of the red-black coach Sergio Hernandez, Negrete also commented on adapting to the coach's style.

"I really like Sergio's approach to the game. He prioritizes fast, vertical attacks. This style suits my game, and I feel comfortable with him," Negrete concluded.

With two wins in two games, Flamengo finished the group stage in the lead and returns to the court next Friday (2), to play the semifinal of the tournament. On Saturday (4), it will be time for the decision or the dispute for third place. All matches will take place at Arena BRB Nilson Nelson, in Brasília, with free entry and live broadcast on Metrópoles' YouTube.