Flamengo lost its unbeaten record. And it felt unfair. Not to Paulistano, their afternoon rival, who led for almost the entire match. But to Marquinhos's spectacular performance. Playing 35 minutes, the number 11 scored 37 points, his best of the season, but it wasn't enough for victory. The "Mais Querido" (The Most Beloved) ended up defeated 71-72 and, in addition to their unbeaten record, lost the NBB lead to Paulistano. Now, José Neto's team plays again on Tuesday, the 06th, away against Joinville.
The even playing field was expected. Flamengo and Paulistano are enjoying the best performances in the NBB, and it couldn't have been any different. The first quarter was a defensive spectacle from both sides, with low scoring for both teams. Flamengo took the lead with JP Batista and even went 07-02 with Marquinhos, a three-pointer after two minutes. Paulistano found their feet on the court, and both teams began making numerous mistakes in the half. The scoring lasted more than two minutes, until Olivinha scored 09-05. Neto sent Varejão and Rhett onto the court and kept Flamengo ahead until the end, 15-12.
The second quarter was better for the visitors. With Varejão, Marcelinho, and Rhett on the court, Flamengo took its time to score its first point, through Pecos' free throw two minutes into the game. The defense couldn't hold back Paulistano, who took the lead in the fourth quarter and opened up a four-point lead (16-20). With Marquinhos' three-pointer again, Flamengo closed the gap and came back after a dunk by Rhett, followed by a Varejão alley-oop. But their rivals took the lead again, closing the first half at 31-34 with a basket by Deryk at the end of the clock.
After the break, Paulistano performed better and maintained its lead. Flamengo was unable to attack, except for Marquinhos, who scored 10 points and held the score, preventing their opponents from opening up much of a gap. But the red-and-black performance was subpar, and Paulistano finished with a 15-point lead.
The final 10 minutes were all or nothing. Marquinhos was everything. Fifteen points and the team's main weapon. Thanks to the number 11, the deficit was reduced to one point with three seconds remaining. With possession, Flamengo had a chance to turn the game around, but Paulistano's defense closed well, and the team emerged victorious.
The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo receive funding from their sponsors – thinkseg, Estácio, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, and EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and the State Incentive Law/Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat of Sports, Recreation, and Youth (Seelje), in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC) resulting from the decentralization of resources from the Pelé Law. The Anjo da Guarda Rubro-Negro Project, a personal tax transfer, benefits all Olympic sports of the Most Beloved.
The even playing field was expected. Flamengo and Paulistano are enjoying the best performances in the NBB, and it couldn't have been any different. The first quarter was a defensive spectacle from both sides, with low scoring for both teams. Flamengo took the lead with JP Batista and even went 07-02 with Marquinhos, a three-pointer after two minutes. Paulistano found their feet on the court, and both teams began making numerous mistakes in the half. The scoring lasted more than two minutes, until Olivinha scored 09-05. Neto sent Varejão and Rhett onto the court and kept Flamengo ahead until the end, 15-12.
The second quarter was better for the visitors. With Varejão, Marcelinho, and Rhett on the court, Flamengo took its time to score its first point, through Pecos' free throw two minutes into the game. The defense couldn't hold back Paulistano, who took the lead in the fourth quarter and opened up a four-point lead (16-20). With Marquinhos' three-pointer again, Flamengo closed the gap and came back after a dunk by Rhett, followed by a Varejão alley-oop. But their rivals took the lead again, closing the first half at 31-34 with a basket by Deryk at the end of the clock.
After the break, Paulistano performed better and maintained its lead. Flamengo was unable to attack, except for Marquinhos, who scored 10 points and held the score, preventing their opponents from opening up much of a gap. But the red-and-black performance was subpar, and Paulistano finished with a 15-point lead.
The final 10 minutes were all or nothing. Marquinhos was everything. Fifteen points and the team's main weapon. Thanks to the number 11, the deficit was reduced to one point with three seconds remaining. With possession, Flamengo had a chance to turn the game around, but Paulistano's defense closed well, and the team emerged victorious.
The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo receive funding from their sponsors – thinkseg, Estácio, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, and EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and the State Incentive Law/Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat of Sports, Recreation, and Youth (Seelje), in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC) resulting from the decentralization of resources from the Pelé Law. The Anjo da Guarda Rubro-Negro Project, a personal tax transfer, benefits all Olympic sports of the Most Beloved.