When Franco Balbi and Marquinhos are in good spirits, it's hard to beat FlaBasquete. This Saturday, another victory for Novo Basquete Brasil. In their last match of 2019, the "Mais Querido" defeated Corinthians 72-68 away from home. Balbi scored 15 points and was the red-and-black team's top scorer. Marquinhos, in turn, scored 14.

With this result, Mengão remains comfortably at the top of the competition. Coach Gustavinho's team now focuses on the Super 8, which will be held in early January in Rio de Janeiro.

"A very important victory for the rest of the championship. It's normal to have these fluctuations after four days off. We didn't feel full (...) We achieved our goal," said Marquinhos about Saturday's triumph. 

Mengão's next NBB game is against Brasília on January 24th. Flamengo is hosting the match, but the venue has not yet been determined.