Universo defeat Flamengo in Brazilian basketball
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The Universo basketball team beat Flamengo on their home court on Sunday in a score of 81- 73 in Brazil's men basketball championship.
Universo continues their hot streak, winning 12 games out of 13 rounds in the New Brazilian Basketball league.
Universo entered halftime with a 46-42 lead, but a strong third quarter helped Universo to build up their lead, outscoring Flamengo by 25-8. Tough defense helped Universo to make strong defensive stands in the final minutes of the game, allowing the visiting team to run out the clock towards the end and glide to victory.
"Our second half defense help us win today's game. We went into the locker room during half time well aware that they scored easily in the first half. We made some adjustments, tightened up our defense and concentrated a little more, leading to our victory, " said Universo's forward, Guilherme Giovannoni.
Both Giovannoni and Flamengo's Marcelinho Machado led the game with 21 points. Universo's point guard, Valtinho scored 19 points and guard Alex Garcia added 15 points. Flamengo's Fred scored 15 and Duda Machado contributed with 13 points.
"This new found rivalry between Flamengo and Universo is great. Brazilian basketball needed this and the NBB is helping to rebuild this type of thing, making basketball in the country a product for TV, for sponsors and for fans," added Giovannoni.
Universo remain in first place in the second season of the NBB. With their loss, Flamengo tentatively continue to stand in fourth place. They need Joinville to defeat Cetaf on Sunday in order not to fall down.
