Coming from three consecutive victories, the last against São José at home, Flamengo took to the court for the final round of 2015 to face Mogi das Cruzes in a head-to-head match in the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB). The teams, which occupied third and fourth place respectively, fought for the top four of the competition, and the Mais Querido came out on top, beating the visitor 79-77 in a thrilling match.

FlaBasquete achieved its fourth consecutive victory and moved into second place in the championship, equaling Bauru's. Forward Marcelinho Machado led the way with 18 points and led the Pride of the Nation's beautiful victory. The captain, coming off the bench, also dished out seven assists.

The match started evenly with both teams defending and attacking heavily, but in the final minutes of the first quarter, Flamengo opened up a one-point lead: Flamengo 18-17 Mogi das Cruzes. The second period began with the "Mais Querido" looking to extend their lead, and even though the match remained even in the opening minutes of the quarter, the " Orgulho da Nação" achieved their goal: Flamengo 40-34 Mogi das Cruzes. 

The third period began with a tight match between the two teams, but the Red-Blacks took advantage of the home advantage and opened up their biggest lead of the game: Flamengo 60 x 53 Mogi das Cruzes. In the final ten minutes, the Mogi team pressed, closed the gap, managed to turn the game around, and only in the final seconds did the Mais Querido decide the match: Flamengo 79 x 77 Mogi das Cruzes.

Flamengo achieved their tenth victory in thirteen games, moving up to second place alongside Bauru, with a 76.9% success rate.

In addition to Marcelinho, the red-black's top scorer with 18 points, another highlight was Rafa Luz with 12 points.

The Red-Black basketball team won't return to the court until January 8th, when the NBB returns from its year-end break. FlaBasquete will host Macaé at home at 20 p.m. at the Hélio Maurício gymnasium in the Gávea headquarters.

The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo adult basketball team receives direct funding from its sponsors – SKY, Estácio, and Peugeot – in addition to investments from Tim through the State Sports Incentive Law/State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure, and Youth (ICMS). You can also contribute to the development of new FlaBasquete athletes by becoming a Rubro-Negro Guardian Angel. Simply transfer up to 6% of your income tax due and receive your contribution back in your income tax refund. Join by visiting www.flamengo.com.br/anjodaguarda. Find out who has already transferred their taxes to 2015 projects clicking here.