The game was meant to be a fixture, but the red-and-black team didn't take to the court to fool around. In their 88-81 victory over Basquete Cearense in the final qualifying round of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB), the team qualified for the playoffs, and yet they were only focused on winning. One of the standout performers of the match, Gegê scored 17 points and dished out 9 assists, nearly achieving a double-double. 

"It was very good, I think it was one of my best games in NBB 6. But the important thing is to help the team and achieve victories. Congratulations to the whole team, and if I had a great performance, it was because the team had attitude and entered focused on winning. Now that the second half is over, the important stage has arrived. We are waiting for our opponent for the playoffs, which will be Basquete Cearense vs. Bauru," said the point guard.

For four rounds, Flamengo has been playing the NBB points race already qualified, in first place in the table, but they took the matches seriously and played very close matches, reaching extra time against Franca. 

"When we wear the Flamengo jersey, we know the responsibility is huge. So, when we step onto the court and defend Flamengo's colors, there's no such thing as already having qualified or not. Every game is important. The team was focused throughout the championship. The playoffs will be tough and are a championship in their own right," said Gegê.

The team will now spend about twenty days without games until the quarterfinals at the end of April. The point guard notes that the rest period will also be time to train and focus for the playoffs.

"Everyone is thinking about this break, which will be more than deserved after the marathon of games we've had. But the committee has already given us the schedule; we'll have a few days off to rest, because that's also important. But when we return, we'll prepare everything for the playoffs, focused and working hard, with full responsibility. In the final stage, we can't make mistakes to focus on the title," he assured.