Heroic comeback marks Flamengo's debut in the South American League finals
After trailing by 26 points, the team beats Peñarol and takes the first step towards a second title.
By press office - in
Flamengo took the first step towards its second South American Basketball League title. In a thrilling match, after trailing by 26 points in the first half, the red-and-black team pulled off a heroic comeback and defeated Peñarol of Argentina 79-78 on Tuesday night (December 04.12th) in the first round of the final four. Olivinha led all scorers with 23 points and 15 rebounds. Marquinhos scored 19 points and Caio scored 18.
Flamengo still has two more matches in the competition: this Wednesday (05.12), the team faces Brasília, at 21 pm (Brasília time), and on Friday (06.12), they face Regatas Corrientes, at 23:10 pm (Brasília time). The team with the best campaign takes the title.
"We knew how strong Peñarol, the current Argentine champions, were. We defended poorly in the first half, and they played however they wanted. In the second half, we improved our marking significantly, and I think that was the key to the victory. But nothing is decided yet; we have to remain focused and with the same determination. Tomorrow we have another very tough game against Brasília, and we can't be satisfied," said coach José Neto.
Without captain Marcelinho, who will have to undergo surgery on his right knee, Flamengo struggled defensively in the first half. Without strong marking, the team ended the first quarter trailing 17-29, and went into halftime trailing 29-49. After the break, the Rio de Janeiro team remained behind in the third quarter, 56-66. After correcting the defensive flaws, Flamengo turned the game around in the end, 79-78.
"Our first half was disastrous, we made a lot of mistakes, but we talked in the locker room and managed to turn the situation around," said Marquinhos.
"I think we started off a bit unfocused, but in the second half we showed a lot of determination. We gradually earned this victory. Now we have to focus on the game against Brasília, as it will be another very difficult match, as always," concluded Olivinha.
Flamengo started with: Kojo (6), Benite (9), Marquinhois (19), Olivinha (23) and Caio Torres (18). Entered: Duda (2), Shilton (6) and Gegê (-).
Flamengo still has two more matches in the competition: this Wednesday (05.12), the team faces Brasília, at 21 pm (Brasília time), and on Friday (06.12), they face Regatas Corrientes, at 23:10 pm (Brasília time). The team with the best campaign takes the title.
"We knew how strong Peñarol, the current Argentine champions, were. We defended poorly in the first half, and they played however they wanted. In the second half, we improved our marking significantly, and I think that was the key to the victory. But nothing is decided yet; we have to remain focused and with the same determination. Tomorrow we have another very tough game against Brasília, and we can't be satisfied," said coach José Neto.
Without captain Marcelinho, who will have to undergo surgery on his right knee, Flamengo struggled defensively in the first half. Without strong marking, the team ended the first quarter trailing 17-29, and went into halftime trailing 29-49. After the break, the Rio de Janeiro team remained behind in the third quarter, 56-66. After correcting the defensive flaws, Flamengo turned the game around in the end, 79-78.
"Our first half was disastrous, we made a lot of mistakes, but we talked in the locker room and managed to turn the situation around," said Marquinhos.
"I think we started off a bit unfocused, but in the second half we showed a lot of determination. We gradually earned this victory. Now we have to focus on the game against Brasília, as it will be another very difficult match, as always," concluded Olivinha.
Flamengo started with: Kojo (6), Benite (9), Marquinhois (19), Olivinha (23) and Caio Torres (18). Entered: Duda (2), Shilton (6) and Gegê (-).