On Saturday night (23.01) the Flamengo basketball team took to the court to face Liga Sorocabana (LSB) in search of its ninth consecutive victory. The team led by coach José Neto beat LSB 69-54 and further isolated itself at the top of the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB).

The starting five consisted of Rafa Luz, Jason Robinson, Marquinhos, Olivinha, and Jerome Meyinsse. The team, accustomed to constant rotation, was undaunted by Liga Sorocabana's early pressure and lived up to its lead. 

Despite a balanced start, in which the Mais Querido fell behind, it didn't take long for the score to swing in favor of the home team. The Rubro-Negro ended the first quarter partially leading Liga Sorocabana by four points: 13 to 9. The second quarter started tightly, but FlaBasquete lived up to its favoritism and ended the match 25 to 21, with the same four-point lead.

In the third period, the "Mais Querido" (The Most Beloved) managed to impose its rhythm and make the most of the home advantage: 48-30. In the final ten minutes, the " Orgulho da Nação" (The Pride of the Nation) simply managed the score. With a solid defense and an efficient attack, the new consecutive victory came: Flamengo 69-54 Liga Sorocabana.

Marquinhos led the way with 16 points. Rafael Mineiro scored 12 points, and Rafa Luz 10. Gegê was another standout with seven rebounds and four assists. 

 "I was happy with our defense, which is improving every day. We didn't have our best day in attack, but that's part of it. That's how the championship is. What matters is that we got our ninth win," said Marquinhos.

Rafael Mineiro analyzed Flamengo's 15th victory in the NBB. "The game started with both sides struggling offensively. Both teams were pressing very hard, and that's actually good for preparing for the Liga das Américas. In the second half, we came back with a little more quality in attack, and this victory was very important for maintaining our first place in the NBB," he said.

The current champion of Novo Basquete Brasil is the leader of the competition with 15 wins in 18 games, which means the team has an 83.3% success rate. 

The Pride of the Nation will travel to Panama on January 26th in search of its second Liga de las Américas (LDA) championship. FlaBasquete will take to the court on the 29th, 30th, and 31st.

The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo adult basketball team relies on direct funding from its sponsors – SKY, Estácio and Peugeot – in addition to investments from Tim via the State Sports Incentive Law/State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure and Youth (ICMS).