After the third-place match in the Liga das Américas, FlaBasquete won the bronze medal and the admiration and respect of the Flamengo fans who cheered them on at Maracanãzinho. Flamengo was defending the continental competition title but lost to Pioneros in the semifinals. The result didn't shake the team for the match against Peñarol, nor did the fans, who maintained their faith in the athletes who "championed everything" last season.

Leonardo Marques points out that Flamengo is still defending its national title in the New Basketball Brazil (NBB). "Flamengo is still competing for the NBB title and is a very successful team," he said. Fan Juliana Pinho also emphasized that now is the time to keep working hard and pursue a fourth title. "Now is the time to lift our heads and focus on the NBB, to win this title for us. They are true fighters; they didn't get this far by accident. May they stay focused; they are a very close-knit group. We will support them unconditionally," she stated.

Flamengo fan Daniel Oliveira said he follows FlaBasquete, both in the gym and on television, and made a point of going to the match against Peñarol to support his favorite team. "Regardless, the team showed us a lot of fight, that they wanted to win. That's a good message. I made a point of coming to support them today, to support them and show that I'm satisfied with the result. The NBB is here, and with a lot of fight and determination, we'll achieve this."

The quest for the national title begins again on Thursday (19.03), against Basquete Cearense, at 20 pm, at Ginásio Paulo Sarasate.