Victory in Marcelinho's return to the NBB
Point guard scores 19 points and is the top scorer in the match against Paulistano alongside Meyinsse
By Communication - Official Club Website - in
Flamengo won another game at the Gávea headquarters, on Saturday night (30.11/80), inside the Hélio Maurício Gymnasium. The victim was the strong Paulistano team, defeated 58 to 2013. The game marked the return of point guard Marcelinho, who was suspended for six games and debuted in the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) this season (2014/21); he played 19 minutes and was the top scorer of the game, alongside Meyinsse, both with 5 points. Gegê was the leader in assists, with 11. Olivinha finished as the top rebounder, with XNUMX rebounds.
After halftime, Paulistano came back stronger and managed to close the deficit to 10 points, until Marcelinho scored seven points in three minutes to dampen the spirits of the São Paulo team. The quarter ended 21-18, and overall, the Mais Querido held a 21-point lead: 64-43. In the final quarter, Flamengo opened up a 30-point lead over their strong opponent, one of the finalists in the São Paulo state championship, and coach Neto took advantage of the opportunity to give his reserves some rhythm. The game ended 80-58.
Flamengo started the game well, with plays from the team's foreign players: three-pointers from point guard Laprovittola and blocks from center Meyinsse. The team came out very focused on the court, and this was reflected in the strong defense and forceful attack. Marcelinho scored his first points in the NBB this season. In the second quarter, the game became more even, with both teams less offensive, and the quarter ended with a low score: 15-11. Overall, Flamengo led, winning 43-25.
After halftime, Paulistano came back stronger and managed to close the deficit to 10 points, until Marcelinho scored seven points in three minutes to dampen the spirits of the São Paulo team. The quarter ended 21-18, and overall, the Mais Querido held a 21-point lead: 64-43. In the final quarter, Flamengo opened up a 30-point lead over their strong opponent, one of the finalists in the São Paulo state championship, and coach Neto took advantage of the opportunity to give his reserves some rhythm. The game ended 80-58.
Point guard Marcelinho was thrilled to return to the team. "Playing for Flamengo is an honor, especially when you're a Flamengo fan like me. Looking up at the stands and seeing every seat filled and everyone chanting your name is very special," he said. The player also stated that he was eager to return. "Playing in the NBB is tougher, especially a home game. I've been away for a long time, and actually, you're more anxious than playing in a final. This is the first time I've been out of a championship for so long, despite having played in the Carioca," he concluded.
With the championship's results so far, the team sits third in the NBB standings. Coach José Neto anticipates two tough matches ahead, against Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, both away from home. "We knew that imposing the pace of play from the start would be beneficial for us. We have two tough battles ahead next week, and we'll work to ensure the team is well prepared. Even more so now that we've gained a player like Marcelo," he declared.