A classic is a classic, everyone knows that. On Monday night (12), Flamengo took to the court at Arena Carioca 1 in pursuit of some objectives. 100% in the Arena against rivals from Rio de Janeiro, four wins in four games in a week and staying alive in the fight for the leadership of Novo Basquete Brasil. All achieved with grit, determination and a lot of will.

Winning 90-84 with a great performance from Anderson Varejão, Ronald Ramon and Marquinhos, Rubro-Negro secured another consecutive victory and heads into the final two challenges of the NBB10 qualifying phase with high confidence.

The red-black highlights were Marquinhos, with 19 points; Ramon, with 17 points and four assists; Anderson Varejão, with a double-double of 13 points and ten rebounds; JP Batista, with nine points, 12 rebounds and five assists; and Cubillan, with seven points.

The opening stage of the match was a fierce battle on the court. Point for point, Flamengo and Botafogo managed to maintain a tight battle throughout the first 20 minutes, dueling for every ball. With just a two-point lead, Botafogo emerged victorious 20-18 in the first quarter.

The second half followed the same pattern. With strong performances from JP Batista and Anderson Varejão in the paint, Flamengo tried to contain the black and whites' chances, but ended up suffering from their opponent's three-pointers. At halftime, the score was 46-43 in favor of Botafogo.

Returning with fire in their eyes, Mengo managed to reverse the deficit and impose their pace of play. Even so, the competition on the court remained fierce and with good exchanges throughout the third quarter, which ended 70-63 for Flamengo.

In the final quarter, however, it was up to Marquinhos and Ronald Ramon to set the Arena Carioca 1 on fire. Converting great chances and three-pointers, the two top scorers of the match changed the course of the game and helped Mais Querido win 90-84.

Flamengo will have a break in the calendar, as it will only return to the courts on the 25th, at 11 am, against Basquete Cearense at Arena Carioca 1. Before that, however, MJ Rhett, David Cubillan, Ronald Ramon, Marquinhos, Marcelinho, JP Batista, Anderson Varejão and coach José Neto will be at the NBB All-Star Game, played on Sunday (18).