Rubro-negros celebrate victory of overcoming
Flamengo faced a very well-prepared Tijuca and also fatigue on Wednesday night
By From the official website team - in
Flamengo's basketball team worked hard, but took an important step toward winning its sixth state championship. The red-and-blacks defeated Tijuca Tênis Clube 79-75 at their opponent's home ground this Wednesday (December 15.12), a performance the Gávea team considered even below expectations, but they nonetheless celebrated the result. The players emphasized the strength of the Tijuca team and the marathon of games Flamengo has faced in recent days.
Point guard Hélio, who has been at Gávea since 2007 and has been involved in three of Flamengo's five consecutive titles, believes that not only he, but the entire team, could have performed better in the match against Tijuca. The number 5, however, praised the team from the north zone and noted that Flamengo's fatigue has been making a difference in recent rounds.
"This marathon has been very intense. The Tijuca team is very strong, well-trained, with experienced players, and the match was very even. I wasn't satisfied with my performance, despite the 21 points. I made four or five mistakes that I don't usually make. But now it's time to get our heads together. We have to be patient, rest, and get another win to win this title," he said.
Point guard Guto also believes the result was good, but could have been better. A longtime acquaintance of some of the rival team's players, such as Ricardinho and Olívia, who played with Guto at Flamengo in 2005, Flamengo's number 6 believes the fans' support was a decisive factor in the match and is already dreaming of another title wearing the Sacred Mantle.
"Nothing is more wonderful than this crowd, supporting the team, chanting our name, it makes all the difference. I'm very happy to be here, but I know Tijuca well and already knew this decision wouldn't be easy. Our performance in 2005 proves that the favorite only shows itself on the court, with the result. We have to be focused to win the second game and secure the title," he added.
Flamengo and Tijuca will play the second game of the final of the Men's Adult State Basketball Championship this Thursday (16.12), at 20 pm, at the Tijuca Tênis Clube Gymnasium. Tickets cost R$10 and fans wearing Flamengo shirts pay R$5.
Point guard Hélio, who has been at Gávea since 2007 and has been involved in three of Flamengo's five consecutive titles, believes that not only he, but the entire team, could have performed better in the match against Tijuca. The number 5, however, praised the team from the north zone and noted that Flamengo's fatigue has been making a difference in recent rounds.
"This marathon has been very intense. The Tijuca team is very strong, well-trained, with experienced players, and the match was very even. I wasn't satisfied with my performance, despite the 21 points. I made four or five mistakes that I don't usually make. But now it's time to get our heads together. We have to be patient, rest, and get another win to win this title," he said.
Point guard Guto also believes the result was good, but could have been better. A longtime acquaintance of some of the rival team's players, such as Ricardinho and Olívia, who played with Guto at Flamengo in 2005, Flamengo's number 6 believes the fans' support was a decisive factor in the match and is already dreaming of another title wearing the Sacred Mantle.
"Nothing is more wonderful than this crowd, supporting the team, chanting our name, it makes all the difference. I'm very happy to be here, but I know Tijuca well and already knew this decision wouldn't be easy. Our performance in 2005 proves that the favorite only shows itself on the court, with the result. We have to be focused to win the second game and secure the title," he added.
Flamengo and Tijuca will play the second game of the final of the Men's Adult State Basketball Championship this Thursday (16.12), at 20 pm, at the Tijuca Tênis Clube Gymnasium. Tickets cost R$10 and fans wearing Flamengo shirts pay R$5.