体坛英语新闻：Flamengo's basketball team wins heading into all-star break

RIO DE JANEIRO, March 21 (Xinhua) -- To close out the first half of the NBB's (Brazil's New Basketball league) first season, Flamengo beat Franca on Saturday 93-75.

    Depending on other results throughout the league, Flamengo looks to stand in second place. The league's intermission will be highlighted by the all-star game that will be held on Sunday, March 22.

    With 24 points, Flamengo gained ground on the leader of the NBB's inaugural season, Joinville. Joinville heads into the all-star break with 24 points as well, but leads Flamengo based on their record.

    The leading scorers for Flamengo were Rafael Araujo, better known as "Baby." The athlete returned to Brazil after spending a short time in the NBA playing for the Utah Jazz. Araujo scored 14 of his 22 points in the first half. Marcelinho Machado contributed18 points and Jefferson added 16 points. For Franca, Marcio scored20 points while Rogerio added 12 points.

    Flamengo now has put together 11 victories in this first half of the season. Franca has a record of 8-6 and stands in fifth place with 22 points