BRA – Marcelinho beams with pride after claiming Liga Sudamericana

RIO DE JANEIRO (Liga Sudamericana) - Brazil international Marcelinho admits lifting the Liga Sudamericana trophy was one of his finest moments as a basketball player.

The Flamengo scoring machine was voted MVP of the event after pouring in 41 points in the team’s 98-96 triumph over hosts Quimsa of Argentina.

"We still don´t realize what we have achieved," said Marcelinho, who scored 30 points in the first half alone.

"This team is fantastic, it´s more than a team. We are more than teammates and we all deserve to have achieved this title.

“As of now, we are the best team in South America.”

Flamengo also beat Cucuta-Norte and Regatas de Corrientes in the Final Four.

“This success is the fruit of a job well done, with sacrifice, character, achievement and through team work,” Marcelinho said.

“We are playing when we have wages owed to us, hearing promise after promise, but everyone here has shown character and professionalism.

“The best thing that could have happened to us has been this title, it´s a big reward for everyone."

Marcelinho is expected to play for Brazil this summer when they attempt to qualify for the 2010 FIBA World Championship.

FIBA