After 22 rounds of play in the New Brazilian Basketball league (NBB), Flamengo assumed first place on Sunday by defeating Araraquara by the score of 98-71.

Flamengo dethroned Universo, who suffered a last minute loss toSaldanha da Gama 76-75.

Flamengo opened up the game with a 30-11 lead after the first quarter. At the half, Flamengo led by 30 points. Throughout the second half, the team held the ball on long possessions and playedsolid defense, cruising to victory.

Flamengo’s ace sharp-shooter, Marcelinho Machado, was the game’s leading scorer with 34 points.

With their win and Universo’s subsequent loss, Flamengo claimed 1st place of the tournament with 40 points. Universo’s loss and inability to accumulate points in the running-point tournament led to their drop in the ranks to 2nd place with 39 points. Araraquara remains in 10th place with 31 points.