FlaBasquete start Carioca with win over Fluminense after 19 years | OneFootball

DG leads the offense with 18 points in the 97-74 win at Tijuca Tênis Clube

FlaBasquete began its Campeonato Carioca campaign with a win. On Sunday (20), Flamengo beat Fluminense 97-74 at the Tijuca Tênis Clube gym, in a derby that marked the teams’ reunion in basketball after 19 years.

With a consistent performance, the Rubro-Negro grew into the game, opened up a lead in the second quarter, and controlled the scoreboard until the end. DG was Mais Querido’s top offensive standout with 18 points.

How the game between Flamengo and Fluminense went

The derby started evenly, with both teams showing good offensive efficiency. Yago and Alexey did well from three-point range, while Flamengo and Fluminense traded points for almost the entire first period.

Then, late in the quarter, Orgulho da Nação managed to build a small lead and closed the period ahead 28-26. In the second quarter, FlaBasquete came back more intense and began to control the game.

That way, the Rubro-Negro increased the gap on the scoreboard and kept the opponent under control throughout the period. To cap off the first half in style, Didi hit a three-pointer at the buzzer and sent Flamengo into halftime with an 11-point lead: 52-41.

After the break, the pace remained intense. Fluminense tried to cut the deficit, but Flamengo responded to its rival’s pushes and kept finding good solutions on offense. So, with the lead managed throughout the third quarter, Mais Querido entered the final ten minutes ahead on the scoreboard, 72-62.

In the decisive period, Orgulho da Nação stayed in control of the game and left no room for the opponent to come back. Flamengo widened the lead even further, sealed the 97-74 victory, and secured a positive start in the Campeonato Carioca.

A historic Fla-Flu in basketball

Besides the winning debut, the matchup had special meaning for Rio basketball. This Sunday’s clash was the first Fla-Flu in the sport in 19 years. The last time Flamengo and Fluminense had faced each other was in 2007, also in the State Championship.

However, Fluminense decided to end its professional basketball project in 2013. The club then brought the sport back in August 2025. In addition, the Carioca had not been played for three seasons because of a lack of interest from the teams.

What’s new in the FlaBasquete roster

For the 2026/27 season, Mengão comes into basketball strengthened. The team also features new names such as Yago, Didi, Yan Djalo, Montero, and Douglas Santos. As a result, the State Championship represents the first opportunity for fans to watch the new FlaBasquete lineup in action.

When Flamengo returns to the court in the Carioca

On September 23, starting at 8:00 p.m. (Brasília time), Mengão will face Botafogo at General Severiano. Even so, the new Campeonato Carioca format brings a long run of games, with a group stage and then knockout rounds until the final at Maracanãzinho.

What else is coming up this season

In addition to the State Championship, FlaBasquete is also preparing international friendlies for the end of September. On the 28th, the opponent will be Peñarol (URU) in Uruguay. The following day, the rival will be Biguá (URU).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.