After a period of inactivity in the New Basketball Brazil (NBB) for the World Cup Qualifying games, the Pride of the Nation returned to the court for the tournament, at Maracanãzinho. In a duel played on Saturday afternoon (19), the team beat Caxias do Sul by 80 to 69. 

Highlights

Gabriel Jaú - 21 points, 9 rebounds

Loku Cuello - 15 points, 5 assists

Olivinha - 11 points, 7 rebounds

Through Fla-Anjo, you directly contribute to the strengthening of our sports and also guarantee exclusive benefits, such as a fan membership plan and official jerseys. You can also compete to have your name printed on the Sacred Mantle at a Mengão game. Access flamengo.com.br/anjo and participate!

The game

The match began with both teams hesitant in the first two minutes, until Loku Cuello scored the game's opening basket. Jaú and Mineiro also scored points, extending the lead for the Red-Blacks, but Caxias do Sul remained close behind with solid three-point shots. Gabriel Jaú responded by hitting two consecutive shots from the perimeter. The match remained even throughout the period, and the opponent took the lead, which stood at 18-20 at the end of the half.

Early in the second quarter, a basket by Faverani tied the score at Maracanãzinho (20-20) and the match continued back and forth, with neither team breaking away on the scoreboard, until the halfway point. Then came the rain of red-and-black balls: Mais Querido settled into its game and opened up a good lead, with shots from Olivinha, Jaú, Rachel and Cuello, and went into the break leading by a stretchy 46 to 32.

The third quarter was evenly balanced, with both teams also experiencing poor shooting. Caxias do Sul finished ahead 11-13, but the Pride of the Nation remained comfortable with the advantage built in the second quarter. The final quarter was also evenly balanced, but the momentum shifted again: 47 points were scored, 23 for Flamengo and 24 for the opposition, with Jaú and Cuello scoring highlights. 

Tribute to Olivinha

FlaBasquete idol and captain Olivinha received a tribute for his 500th NBB game. The star was warmly celebrated by the fans and received a personalized jersey with the brand.

Starting Quintet

Vildoza, Gui Deodato, Cuello, Gabriel Jaú and Rafael Mineiro.

Coach: Gustavo De Conti.

Next appointment

Mengão returns to Maracanãzinho this Monday (21), at 20 pm, to face União Corinthians, with live broadcast on FlaTV and FlaTV+, in the free tier. You can guarantee your tickets at flamengo.superingresso.com.br.