Isolated leader, FlaBasquete wins eighth consecutive victory
After losing, the red-black team reacts and beats Rio Claro away from home by 91 to 73
By Communication - Official Club Website - in
Even more isolated in the lead, Flamengo won the eighth consecutive game in the New Basketball Brazil (NBB) on Wednesday night (20.01). Playing away from home, in the Felipe Karan gym, packed with the opposing fans, José Neto's team imposed themselves on the court and won 91 to 73 over Rio Claro.
As usual, collective strength was the red-and-black team's strong point. Five players scored double digits: Marquinhos (19), JP Batista (15), Marcelinho Machado (13), Rafael Mineiro (12), and Rafa Luz (10). In addition, Americans Jerome Meyinsse and Jason Robinson scored nine and seven points, respectively.
Captain Marcelinho Machado sees the team's excellent form as evidence that the new faces who arrived this season are increasingly fitting in.
"Our team is doing very well. We knew we needed some time to get a good feel for it, as we had new players arriving, and every change of year requires this kind of adaptation. We're doing very well, but we know we still have a lot to improve. There's still a lot to happen, but we're on the right track," he said.
The game
After trailing 23-20 in the first quarter, Flamengo's players came back with a vengeance in the following two periods, eventually opening up a massive 29-point lead (83-54). In the final minutes, Rio Claro attempted a comeback, but Flamengo managed the score with ease, securing another victory in the competition. With this result, the Pride of the Nation reached 14 wins in 17 matches, representing an 83,2% success rate.
"We started the match a little off. They (Rio Claro) started at 100km per hour and we were a bit slow, without help and making mistakes on defense. But little by little we got into it, setting our rhythm and controlling the match, and that happened when we improved our defense, which is our differentiator. We have to take it game by game, keep putting energy on the court and giving our best," analyzed top scorer Marquinhos.
As usual, collective strength was the red-and-black team's strong point. Five players scored double digits: Marquinhos (19), JP Batista (15), Marcelinho Machado (13), Rafael Mineiro (12), and Rafa Luz (10). In addition, Americans Jerome Meyinsse and Jason Robinson scored nine and seven points, respectively.
Captain Marcelinho Machado sees the team's excellent form as evidence that the new faces who arrived this season are increasingly fitting in.
"Our team is doing very well. We knew we needed some time to get a good feel for it, as we had new players arriving, and every change of year requires this kind of adaptation. We're doing very well, but we know we still have a lot to improve. There's still a lot to happen, but we're on the right track," he said.
The game
After trailing 23-20 in the first quarter, Flamengo's players came back with a vengeance in the following two periods, eventually opening up a massive 29-point lead (83-54). In the final minutes, Rio Claro attempted a comeback, but Flamengo managed the score with ease, securing another victory in the competition. With this result, the Pride of the Nation reached 14 wins in 17 matches, representing an 83,2% success rate.
"We started the match a little off. They (Rio Claro) started at 100km per hour and we were a bit slow, without help and making mistakes on defense. But little by little we got into it, setting our rhythm and controlling the match, and that happened when we improved our defense, which is our differentiator. We have to take it game by game, keep putting energy on the court and giving our best," analyzed top scorer Marquinhos.