Flamengo, heading for a second consecutive title, debuts against its traditional Argentine rival
With its full strength, Rubro-negro takes on Boca Juniors, this Thursday
By Media Relations - in
A debut with the air of a championship final. This is how Flamengo is approaching the match against Boca Juniors, this Thursday (25.11/20), at 30:XNUMX pm, in the final stage of the South American Basketball League. Not only because of the two teams' traditional rivalry on the football field that will be transferred to the court, but also because of the possibility of a victory securing a spot in the semifinals.
Boca Juniors debuts in the competition this Wednesday (24.11), against Franca, at 21 pm. A negative result for the Argentine team in the first round and a victory for Flamengo this Thursday, guarantees the Rio de Janeiro team in the semifinals (the top two placed in each group qualify).
"These are two very traditional teams in football, and the rivalry will inevitably be carried onto the court. We hope to count on the support of our fans, as this game could even decide a spot in the semifinals," said point guard Marcelinho, who analyzed the opposing team: "Boca is an experienced team, used to competing in important championships. It will be a difficult game," he added.
Coach Paulo Chupeta recalled that Boca Juniors is not doing well in the Argentine Championship (it is in last place in its group) and this could be dangerous.
"They need to seek rehabilitation in the South American League to save their season. We just can't let it fall on us," said the coach.
Chupeta also revealed that the starting lineup is the same one that started the first two NBB (New Basketball Brazil) games: Fred, Guto, Marcelinho, Teichmann, and Bábby. Point guard Duda, who suffered a serious ankle sprain in the first round of the league last month in Argentina, has already recovered and returns to the team, starting on the bench.
"We're going to watch Wednesday's match to study our opponent and try to neutralize their strengths and exploit their weaknesses," he concluded.
Flamengo is seeking its second South American League title. The team won the championship in 2009 and finished runner-up in the 2009/2010 season. The competition hadn't been held in Rio for 10 years.
ANOTHER GAME: Before Flamengo takes the court, Quimsa (ARG) faces Brasília at 18 p.m. in the opening match of the second round. Both matches will be broadcast on SPORTV. Tickets for the final stage matches of the South American League are on sale at the HSBC Arena box office and at www.livepass.com.br.
Boca Juniors debuts in the competition this Wednesday (24.11), against Franca, at 21 pm. A negative result for the Argentine team in the first round and a victory for Flamengo this Thursday, guarantees the Rio de Janeiro team in the semifinals (the top two placed in each group qualify).
"These are two very traditional teams in football, and the rivalry will inevitably be carried onto the court. We hope to count on the support of our fans, as this game could even decide a spot in the semifinals," said point guard Marcelinho, who analyzed the opposing team: "Boca is an experienced team, used to competing in important championships. It will be a difficult game," he added.
Coach Paulo Chupeta recalled that Boca Juniors is not doing well in the Argentine Championship (it is in last place in its group) and this could be dangerous.
"They need to seek rehabilitation in the South American League to save their season. We just can't let it fall on us," said the coach.
Chupeta also revealed that the starting lineup is the same one that started the first two NBB (New Basketball Brazil) games: Fred, Guto, Marcelinho, Teichmann, and Bábby. Point guard Duda, who suffered a serious ankle sprain in the first round of the league last month in Argentina, has already recovered and returns to the team, starting on the bench.
"We're going to watch Wednesday's match to study our opponent and try to neutralize their strengths and exploit their weaknesses," he concluded.
Flamengo is seeking its second South American League title. The team won the championship in 2009 and finished runner-up in the 2009/2010 season. The competition hadn't been held in Rio for 10 years.
ANOTHER GAME: Before Flamengo takes the court, Quimsa (ARG) faces Brasília at 18 p.m. in the opening match of the second round. Both matches will be broadcast on SPORTV. Tickets for the final stage matches of the South American League are on sale at the HSBC Arena box office and at www.livepass.com.br.