The grand final of the League of the Americas has already defined its protagonists. On Friday night (21.03), Flamengo secured the coveted spot with a 113-81 victory over Aguada, after Pinheiros won the semifinal against Halcones de Xalapa. Marcelinho, top scorer, Jerome, rebounder and Gegê, leader in assists, were the red-and-blacks' highlights in the match, cheered by the tireless fans at Maracanãzinho, which had the presence of the great red-and-black and national idol, Oscar Schmidt.

Amid thousands of Flamengo fans' voices, Mengo went after them, opening the scoring with a Nico run and a Marquinhos layup. Shortly after, the Argentinean fired up the stands with a three-pointer, putting Flamengo eight points ahead of their opponent: 10-2. When the lead reached 12, Flamengo forced Aguada to call a timeout. With just a few minutes left in the quarter, the Uruguayan team closed in, but the quarter ended in Flamengo's favor: 22-20. In the second period, Aguada took the lead for the first time. Flamengo's comeback began with a Nico steal and a Marquinhos layup. With a three-pointer from Marquinhos, the score was even at Maracanãzinho: 29-29. After Washam's three-pointer, the atmosphere heated up, the team cheered, and the fans got into the game. After a scuffle involving the opponent, Aguada's coach was ejected from the court with three minutes remaining before halftime. With two consecutive three-pointers from Marcelinho, Flamengo regained a healthy lead: 48-34. Perfectly skilled on three-pointers, Flamengo extended its lead and went into the locker room leading 56-39.

Upon returning to the court, Olivinha entered the match well. Marcelinho hit his fifth three-pointer, and Aguada called a timeout with the Flamengo team's lead at 23 points. Marquinhos, also with a shot from outside, galvanized the Nation. With three minutes remaining in the third quarter, Flamengo was already close to a thirty-point lead: 82-56. The advantage held until the end of the period, and the "Mais Querido" (Flamengo's Favorite) went into the final quarter leading 90-62, practically sealing their place in the League of the Americas finals. The Flamengo team's superiority was unquestionable as their opponent lost the game and their composure. With the score at 96-64, the Uruguayan fans were already beginning to see the Red-Black Nation announce their departure from Maracanãzinho. Halfway through the final quarter, Flamengo surpassed the 100-point mark. With the game decided, coach José Neto put youngsters Danielzinho, Chupeta, and Douglas on the court. In the stands, the fans were already celebrating their long-awaited, unprecedented berth in the Final Four. 

"We deserved it. The main thing was our focus in this match. For us, every match has been a final, and perhaps that's why we're the only undefeated team. We arrived prepared. Tomorrow is a new day, a different competition. We know there will be a lot of pressure. Pinheiros is very good collectively, and they have great talent. The game will be very tough. The team is the current champion of the Liga das Américas, they're playing very well, and they're very dangerous," analyzed coach José Neto.

This Saturday (22.03), the final will be against Pinheiros, at 21:15 pm, at the Maracanãzinho gymnasium.