On the run and on the limit: Flamengo beats São José
In their 20th victory in the NBB, Rubro-Negro was behind for most of the game, but ended up winning 84-82
By Communication - Official Club Website - in
That's 20 games and 20 wins. São José, responsible for the red-and-black team's last loss, was ahead most of the time. But at the end of the game, Flamengo's team had the last laugh, with a big help from Kojo, who scored a 3-pointer and was fouled on the same play, and maintained their unbeaten record 84-82. A surprise only for those who weren't prepared.
"We knew this game would be very difficult, especially with a full São José squad. But today our team showed its strength and that it's a real team. Even when we were behind, everyone was supportive. Those on the bench supported those on the court, and that made all the difference," revealed coach José Neto.
In addition to breaking its own record for consecutive wins, Flamengo saw a new milestone approaching. Winger Marquinhos led all scorers with 20 points, bringing them closer to 500 points this season in the NBB. "It's an incredible moment in the championship. Our greatest strength was not giving up on the game, and we never stopped believing we could win, and we achieved that," he said.
With the myth of having beaten "Mais Querido" in the 2012 playoffs, the São Paulo team used home advantage to dominate the first two quarters. But José Neto's team began to close in the third and turned the match around late, demonstrating determination and the ability to turn any score around. Even when they were at their wits' end.
"We're fortunate not to have a very big state championship, and we had a good preseason. We were able to do some very thorough physical preparation. It was step by step, and we're seeing the results now. After the League of the Americas, we'll have an offseason, but the big difference this time was the time we had to work before the championship started. We're targeting the NBB, the League of the Americas, and the South American Championship. Everyone accepted the job offer, which is very tough, requiring a certain amount of suffering, and they gave it their all. And now they're reaping the rewards," explained physical trainer Diego Falcão.
Flamengo now travels to Venezuela to play three games in the Liga das Américas. The Red-Blacks will be looking for more victories. Until the last second.
Points per Room:
Saint Joseph (82) x (84) Flamengo
1rd - 19 x 23
2rd - 21 x 10
3rd - 24 x 28
4rd - 18 x 23
"We knew this game would be very difficult, especially with a full São José squad. But today our team showed its strength and that it's a real team. Even when we were behind, everyone was supportive. Those on the bench supported those on the court, and that made all the difference," revealed coach José Neto.
In addition to breaking its own record for consecutive wins, Flamengo saw a new milestone approaching. Winger Marquinhos led all scorers with 20 points, bringing them closer to 500 points this season in the NBB. "It's an incredible moment in the championship. Our greatest strength was not giving up on the game, and we never stopped believing we could win, and we achieved that," he said.
With the myth of having beaten "Mais Querido" in the 2012 playoffs, the São Paulo team used home advantage to dominate the first two quarters. But José Neto's team began to close in the third and turned the match around late, demonstrating determination and the ability to turn any score around. Even when they were at their wits' end.
"We're fortunate not to have a very big state championship, and we had a good preseason. We were able to do some very thorough physical preparation. It was step by step, and we're seeing the results now. After the League of the Americas, we'll have an offseason, but the big difference this time was the time we had to work before the championship started. We're targeting the NBB, the League of the Americas, and the South American Championship. Everyone accepted the job offer, which is very tough, requiring a certain amount of suffering, and they gave it their all. And now they're reaping the rewards," explained physical trainer Diego Falcão.
Flamengo now travels to Venezuela to play three games in the Liga das Américas. The Red-Blacks will be looking for more victories. Until the last second.
Points per Room:
Saint Joseph (82) x (84) Flamengo
1rd - 19 x 23
2rd - 21 x 10
3rd - 24 x 28
4rd - 18 x 23