RIO DE JANEIRO (Interstat) — Flamengo defeated visiting Caxias do Sul 77-59 on Friday at HSBC Arena, using a decisive second-quarter surge to take control. Caxias do Sul opened with 12 points in the first quarter and added nine in the second, but Flamengo answered with 18 in the first and 28 before halftime to build a 46-21 lead. Caxias do Sul mounted a stronger third quarter, scoring 23 points, while Flamengo added 14, trimming the hosts’ advantage to 60-44 entering the fourth. Flamengo closed with 17 points in the final quarter, and Caxias do Sul finished with 15. Caxias do Sul fell to 0-4 this season. Flamengo improved to 5-1. Flamengo’s balanced scoring and strong first half helped secure the home victory, while Caxias do Sul’s third-quarter push came too late to threaten the result. Flamengo controlled the pace throughout and closed out the win.