Flamengo wins Brazilian NBB title

Clube de Regatas do Flamengo defeated Unitri/Universo Uberlandia 77-70 to capture the Brazilian NBB title. Flamengo was impressive all throughout the season, finishing the regular season atop the NBB standings with an outstanding 30-4 record.

Flamengo took control of the championship game from the get-go and only allowed Uberlandia to come to within one at the end of the first half (34-33). A strong rally in the third quarter, supported by solid play in the fourth period allowed Flamengo to seal the victory.

Flamengo was led by Caio Silveira (211 cm), the team’s Brazilian center who also bears a Spanish passport, who came away with 23 points and eight rebounds. Marquinhos Vieira (207 cm) added 16 points, while Olivinha Rodriguez (202 cm) added 10 markers of his own for the red and blacks.

Rodriquez had this to say after their hard-earned victory:

“Without doubt, this is one of the most memorable moments of my career. Worked hard throughout the season. Nobody worked harder than us. We’re all to be congratulated, especially the fans who supported us forever. I’m very happy and now I plan to celebrate a lot.”

Uberlandia was led by Luis Felipe Gruber (205 cm), who has both an Italian and a Brazilian passport, as he finished with a team-high 20 points. He was supported by the production of Lucas Cipolini (206 cm) who added 16 points.