Flamengo wraps up Brazil NBB
Flamengo wrapped up the Brazilian NBB title for the second consecutive season after defeating Paulistano Sao Paolo 78-73 in the final game. The Rio de Janeiro club capped topping the NBB in the regular season with the title, shutting out a Paulistano team that finished second during the campaign. The losers can point to a lack of discipline as a reason for defeat, with the Paulistano players responsible for committing 33 personal fouls. That gave Flamengo a solid foundation of points from the charity strip, and the defending champs duly took those opportunities.
Flamengo had the best of the opening exchanges thanks to consistency at the basket, opening a 22-17 lead after 10 minutes. Paulistano responded admirably in the second stanza and stunned the champs with 23 points to take a halftime lead of 38-40. The up and down game continued as Flamengo controlled the third period and once again carved an advantage, the score heading into the final frame stood at 59-57. It was neck and neck as the title went down to the fourth quarter, but Flamengo managed to win the period and snatch the victory and the trophy.
Marcelo Magalhaes picked up a game high 16 points for the winners, while he also added 7 rebounds. Jerome Meyinsse grabbed 16 points in the success.
Desmond Holloway took 15 points for the losing effort, while Kenny Dawkins scored 14 points and claimed 6 boards.