Flamengo proclaimed FIBA Intercontinental Cup 2022 champions

CAIRO (Egypt) – Brazil’s Flamengo became on Sunday the first club outside of Europe and the USA to win multiple FIBA Intercontinental Cup titles after prevailing 75-62 over Spain’s Hereda San Pablo Burgos, the winner of the 2021 edition, in the Final in the Egyptian capital Cairo.

Flamengo had first lifted the coveted trophy in 2014 and remain the only Brazilian club to win the FIBA Intercontinental Cup in the 21st century.

Lucas Martinez of the champions, who averaged 14.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4 assists per game was named MVP of the tournament. Greek legend Vasilis Spanoulis, himself the winner of the MVP award in 2013, was on hand in Cairo to present Martinez with the award.

In the 3rd-Place Game, Lakeland Magic defeated Basketball Africa League title holders Zamalek 113-78 to become the first NBA G League side to win a game in the competition, led by Hassani Gravett’s 22 points and Jeff Dowtin’s double-double of 21 points and 11 assists.

The 2022 edition of the event marked the first time the tournament took place in an African country and the maiden participation of an African club.

The long list of distinguished guests in attendance included FIBA President Hamane Niang, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Africa President and Executive Committee member Anibal Manave, Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Ashraf Sobhy and Egyptian Basketball Federation President Magdy Abofrekha.

During the halftime interval of the Final, Mr Zagklis presented Mr. Abofrekha and Vice-President Mohamed Abdel-Motaleb Soliman with the framed letter of affiliation of the Egyptian Basketball Federation into FIBA from 1934.

The commemorative frame underscores the milestone nature of the tournament, in the context of the 90 years of FIBA celebration, and serves as gesture of appreciation towards the Egyptian Basketball Federation for hosting the event.