BRASILIA, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian men's basketball teams Flamengo, Minas and Universo proved their status as the favorites to win this year's Brazilian title after Sunday's matches of the playoffs.

    Flamengo beat Cetaf/Vila Velha 2-0 after taking Sunday's second leg match 79-72, while Universo and Minas both took their opening games of the first round of the playoffs in Brazil in the national championship.

    Marcelinho Machado had 21 points to lead all scorers, and Cuban Amiel contributed 18 points to Flamengo. Alirio helped the team with 12 points and 14 rebounds.

    For Cetaf/Vila Velha, Jefferson Sobram scored a team high 17 points and brought down nine rebounds.

    With one more victory, Flamengo will pass on to the semifinals of the championship.

    "Playing at their house will be a lot harder, but our team is ready," said the team's leading scorer Machado.

    Also on Sunday in the quarterfinals and first round of the playoffs, Minas Tenis beat Saldanha de Gama 90-74. The leading scorer for Minas was Maozao with 20 points, and Lucas Costa led Saldanha with 19 points in Belo Horizonte.

    Meanwhile, Universo from Brasilia beat Uberlandia in the country's capital by a score of 89-70. The leading scorer of the game was Universo's Arthur with 20 points and Olivinha led Minas Gerais's scoring with 15 points.

    With Sunday's results, home teams all have taken advantage of their home courts and local fans, pulling out in front of their adversaries.

    Both Universo and Minas Tenis hold to a 1-0 game lead in their respective series. Both teams head back to the court and game 2 on Monday, again with their home court advantage.