BRA – Marcelinho leads Flamengo to first Brazil crown

BRASILIA (Campeonato Nacional) - Brazilian star Marcelinho will enter next month’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament on a high after leading Flamengo to glory in the Campeonato Nacional.

Marcelinho, a key man in the national side who was this season’s league MVP, had 40 points as Flamengo won 101-96 at Universo/BRB to complete a 3-0 sweep in the play-off finals.

“Winning this (national) title, the first for Flamengo, has a special taste,” said the 33-year-old Marcelinho.

“We’ve made history in Flamengo thanks to this wonderful achievement. We battled a lot and I think we deserve this title.”

Winning coach Paulo Sampaio was full of praise for his players.

“It was a triumph of determination,” he said. “We fought until the end and we knew we could win and finish the tie, but I highlight team play.”

Flamengo won the first game of the finals 93-66 with Marcelinho notching 24 points and he poured in 25 to help his team romp to a 91-76 Game Two victory.

FIBA