The red-black team beats the Municipal Championship and maintains its lead in the State Basketball Championship

Rafael Oliveira and Pedro Ivo Almeida

Sports Journal

Center Wagner dunks and scores two points for Flamengo

The task couldn't have been easier: already qualified and guaranteed first place, Flamengo faced last-placed Municipal. Before the match, many predicted Flamengo would play unmotivated just to make ends meet. But it wasn't like that at all. The state leader played as if they were competing in a classic, defeating their rivals 107-57 (59-28) at Club Municipal.

The top scorer was winger Fernando Mineiro with 19 points. For the Municipal Championship, the standouts were Emerson and Matheus, with 12. Tomorrow, the red-and-blacks will travel to Macaé to face the home team. This will be the final match for both teams in this stage. Municipal played its final match yesterday and bowed out with 14 losses and no wins.

Proof of the red-and-black team's tenacity is the fact that every player scored. Chupeta took advantage of the match to put his entire squad on the court. And the performance couldn't have been better.

In the first half, Flamengo fielded its top players. Marcelinho led the team. The winger's performance earned him praise.

"I had to ask Marcelinho to take a break. He didn't want to stop playing, but I was afraid of losing him for the play-offs. He is currently the best active player in Brazil," said coach Paulo Chupeta.

In the second half, the coach rotated the squad. The younger players also performed well on the court. In the end, Municipal still tried to rally, but it was too late.

"In December, we have the final stage of the Carioca and the Pan-American League ahead of us. It's crucial that we maintain our momentum. It doesn't matter if the opponent is stronger or weaker," explained Fernando Mineiro.

MUNICIPAL

Guilherme (11), Júlio Cesar (2), Fernando (4), Nilson (3) and Emerson (2). Entered: Matheus (12), Schwin (5), Pietro (2) and Leandro (6)\ Coach: Marquinhos\

FLAMENGO

Fred (6), Marcelinho (13), Amiel (10), Maicon (16) and Coloneze (12). Entered: Hélio (9), Wagner (4), Mineiro (19), Duda (2), Rafael (4), Marcelus (7) and Alírio (6).\ Coach: Paulo Chupeta\

Location: Municipal Gymnasium