The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute surprises and upsets. The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with defeat of the leader.
The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Guaiqueries (21-13) in Puerto Ordaz on Tuesday night. Visitors were edged by third ranked Gigantes (16-18) 71-69. The hosts trailed by 6 points after three quarters before their 24-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. It was a good game for American Quinnel Brown (198-83, college: Auburn) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 10 rebounds. The former international forward Axiers Sucre (199-78) contributed with 11 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. American guard Devan Downey (175-87, college: S.Carolina, agency: Octagon Europe) replied with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists for Guaiqueries. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Gigantes have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 16-18 record having five points less than leader Guaiqueries. Guaiqueries at the other side still keep top place with 13 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. Important game to mention about took place in Puerto La Cruz. Fourth ranked Toros (12-19) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging one of their biggest challengers Marinos (13-17) 100-98 in the fight for the fourth place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Marinos. Dominican forward Juan Guerrero (201-93) scored 24 points and 6 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and Elder Gimenez chipped in 27 points during the contest. The best for the losing side was the former international Michael Carrera (196-93, college: S.Carolina) with 28 points and 7 rebounds. Toros maintains fourth position with 12-19 record which they share with defeated Marinos. Marinos at the other side keep the fourth place with 17 games lost. Toros will play against higher ranked Trotamundos (#3) in Valencia in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Marinos will play on the road against Gaiteros in Maracaibo and it may be a tough game between close rivals. An interesting game for Guaiqueries (21-13) which played road game in Puerto Ordaz against 3rd ranked Gigantes (16-18). First ranked Guaiqueries had an easy win 89-73. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Gigantes. Marcus Melvin notched 25 points to lead the effort. Even 18 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists by Horace Wormely did not help to save the game for Gigantes. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guaiqueries maintains first position with 21-13 record. Loser Gigantes keep the third place with 18 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. An interesting game for Marinos (13-17) which hosted in Puerto La Cruz one of their biggest challengers Toros (12-19). Fourth ranked Marinos had an easy win 100-81. The best player for the winners was Michael Carrera who scored 22 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Marinos maintains fourth position with 13-17 record which they share with defeated Toros. Toros at the other side keep the fourth place with 19 games lost. Marinos' next round opponent will be Gaiteros (#5) in Maracaibo. Toros will play on the road against Trotamundos in Valencia and it may be a tough game between close rivals. The game between second ranked Guaros (21-11) and 5th ranked Gaiteros (7-21) in Barquisimeto on Monday ended with biggest points difference. Guaros outscored guests from Maracaibo 112-75. It was a good game for Gregory Echenique who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 17 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Guaros have an impressive five-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains second position with 21-11 record having just two points less than leader Guaiqueries. Gaiteros lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 21 games lost. Guaros will face Panteras (#5) in Caracas in the next round. Gaiteros will play at home against Marinos and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
In the last game of round 18 Gaiteros were smashed by Guaros on the road 102-76.
An interesting game for Guaiqueries (21-13) which played road game in Puerto Ordaz against 3rd ranked Gigantes (16-18). First ranked Guaiqueries had an easy win 89-73. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Gigantes. The guests trailed by 1 point after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 21-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 89-73. Guaiqueries outrebounded Gigantes 30-19 including 25 on the defensive glass. American forward Marcus Melvin (206-82, college: N.Carolina St.) notched 25 points to lead the effort and the other American import guard Devan Downey (175-87, college: S.Carolina, agency: Octagon Europe) supported him with 16 points and 7 assists. Even 18 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists by American point guard Horace Wormely (168-84, college: Vanguard) did not help to save the game for Gigantes. The former international forward Axiers Sucre (199-78) added 10 points and 9 rebounds. Five Guaiqueries and four Gigantes players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guaiqueries maintains first position with 21-13 record. Loser Gigantes keep the third place with 18 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. Top scorers: Guaiqueries: M.Melvin 25+3reb+3ast, D.Downey 16+3reb+7ast, C.Silva 12+4reb+3ast, F.Centeno 10+5reb+4ast, C.Musset 10+6reb+2ast, K.Gransberry 10+7reb Gigantes: H.Wormely 18+5reb+8ast, F.Lucena 10+2reb, A.Sucre 10+9reb+2ast, A.Jackson 10, Q.Brown 8+1reb+2ast, I.Nunez 6+1ast
Important game to mention about took place in Puerto La Cruz. Fourth ranked Toros (12-19) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging one of their biggest challengers Marinos (13-17) 100-98 in the fight for the fourth place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Marinos. It looked good early as Marinos took a 8-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Toros took control and eventually winning the game that evening by 2 points. They made 20-of-25 charity shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Marinos were plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Dominican forward Juan Guerrero (201-93) scored 24 points and 6 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and international guard Elder Gimenez (186-91) chipped in 27 points during the contest. The best for the losing side was the former international Michael Carrera (196-93, college: S.Carolina) with 28 points and 7 rebounds and the former international guard Jesus Centeno (190-85) produced a double-double by scoring 11 points, 7 rebounds and 11 assists. Four Toros and five Marinos players scored in double figures. Toros maintains fourth position with 12-19 record which they share with defeated Marinos. Marinos at the other side keep the fourth place with 17 games lost. Toros will play against higher ranked Trotamundos (#3) in Valencia in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Marinos will play on the road against Gaiteros in Maracaibo and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers: Toros: E.Gimenez 27+2reb+2ast, J.Guerrero 24+6reb+2ast, K.Pena 15+6reb+3ast, K.Fuller 13+3reb+2ast, D.Johnson 7+4reb+1ast, J.Leon 7+1reb+2ast Marinos: M.Carrera 28+7reb+2ast, I.Swann 16+3reb+1ast, J.Herrera 15+2reb+2ast, R.Perez 12+4reb+1ast, M.Marriaga 12+5reb, J.Centeno 11+7reb+11ast
No shocking result in a game when second ranked Guaros (21-11) crushed 5th ranked Gaiteros (7-21) in Barquisimeto 102-76 on Tuesday. The hosts trailed by 2 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 3-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 102-76. Guaros dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Gaiteros' 28. They outrebounded Gaiteros 46-28 including a 36-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Guaros looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists comparing to just 14 passes made by Gaiteros' players. It was a good game for American forward Andy Panko (203-77, college: Lebanon Valley, agency: BeoBasket) who led his team to a victory with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. International center Gregory Echenique (206-90, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) contributed with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Five Guaros players scored in double figures. Naturalized Colombian guard Douglas Chiquito (193-86) replied with 18 points and British V.Islands power forward Lester Prosper (208-88, college: Old Westbury, agency: Interperformances) added 14 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Gaiteros. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Guaros have an impressive five-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains second position with 21-11 record having just two points less than leader Guaiqueries. Gaiteros lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 21 games lost. Guaros will face Panteras (#5) in Caracas in the next round. Gaiteros will play at home against Marinos and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers: Guaros: A.Panko 16+9reb+4ast, N.Colmenares 14+7reb+2ast, N.Robinson 14+2reb+5ast, G.Echenique 11+10reb+2ast, L.Hayward 11+2reb, H.Guillent 10+3reb+8ast Gaiteros: D.Chiquito 18+2reb+2ast, L.Prosper 14+5reb, H.Salcedo 11+2reb+1ast, K.Urdaneta 9+3reb+4ast, E.Harris 8+2reb+1ast, D.Macuare 6+2reb+5ast
The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Guaiqueries (21-13) in Puerto Ordaz on Tuesday night. Visitors were edged by third ranked Gigantes (16-18) 71-69. The hosts trailed by 6 points after three quarters before their 24-16 charge, which allowed them to win the game. It was a good game for American Quinnel Brown (198-83, college: Auburn) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 10 rebounds. The former international forward Axiers Sucre (199-78) contributed with a double-double by scoring 11 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. American guard Devan Downey (175-87, college: S.Carolina, agency: Octagon Europe) replied with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists and his fellow American import forward Marcus Melvin (206-82, college: N.Carolina St.) added 16 points in the effort for Guaiqueries. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Gigantes have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 16-18 record having five points less than leader Guaiqueries. Guaiqueries at the other side still keep top place with 13 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. Top scorers: Gigantes: Q.Brown 28+10reb+2ast, A.Sucre 11+17reb+4ast, A.Jackson 9+3reb, J.Vargas 8+3reb+3ast, F.Lucena 7+4reb+1ast, L.Cappare 4+1ast Guaiqueries: M.Melvin 16+2reb+2ast, D.Downey 11+6reb+9ast, M.Flores 10+8reb+1ast, F.Centeno 8+3reb, K.Gransberry 6+10reb+2ast, C.Silva 5+4reb+7ast
The game between second ranked Guaros (21-11) and 5th ranked Gaiteros (7-21) in Barquisimeto on Monday ended with biggest points difference. Guaros outscored guests from Maracaibo 112-75. The game without a history. Guaros led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Gaiteros' 42. They outrebounded Gaiteros 50-36 including a 37-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Guaros looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Gaiteros' players. It was a good game for international center Gregory Echenique (206-90, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 17 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). American Lazar Hayward (225-86, college: Marquette) contributed with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Four Guaros players scored in double figures. British V.Islands power forward Lester Prosper (208-88, college: Old Westbury, agency: Interperformances) replied with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds and American point guard Eugene Harris (187-86, college: High Point) added 12 points in the effort for Gaiteros. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Guaros have an impressive five-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains second position with 21-11 record having just two points less than leader Guaiqueries. Gaiteros lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 21 games lost. Guaros will face Panteras (#5) in Caracas in the next round. Gaiteros will play at home against Marinos and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers: Guaros: G.Echenique 26+17reb+2ast, L.Bethelmy 21+2reb+3ast, L.Hayward 18+10reb+1ast, H.Guillent 12+1reb+8ast, J.Ascanio 10+1reb, E.Baez 6+1reb+2ast Gaiteros: L.Prosper 24+10reb+1ast, E.Harris 12+1reb+3ast, D.Chiquito 8, D.Ananguren 8+7reb, H.Salcedo 6+7reb+2ast, K.Urdaneta 5+3reb+3ast
An interesting game for Marinos (13-17) which hosted in Puerto La Cruz one of their biggest challengers Toros (12-19). Fourth ranked Marinos had an easy win 100-81. Marinos dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Toros' 28. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 33 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Toros' players. The best player for the winners was the former international Michael Carrera (196-93, college: S.Carolina) who scored 22 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). American point guard Isaiah Swann (188-85, college: Florida St.) chipped in 20 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Four Marinos players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was Dominican guard Kelvin Pena (193-80, college: Southeastern CC) who recorded 18 points and naturalized Colombian point guard Jorge Leon (188-79) added 9 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Marinos maintains fourth position with 13-17 record which they share with defeated Toros. Toros at the other side keep the fourth place with 19 games lost. Marinos' next round opponent will be Gaiteros (#5) in Maracaibo. Toros will play on the road against Trotamundos in Valencia and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers: Marinos: M.Carrera 22+5reb+6ast, I.Swann 20+5reb+6ast, J.Centeno 13+4reb+5ast, J.Herrera 10+4reb+5ast, M.Marriaga 9+6reb, R.Perez 8+2reb+3ast Toros: K.Pena 18+1reb+3ast, A.Barrios 14+2reb+1ast, K.Fuller 10+2reb+3ast, J.Leon 9+5reb+4ast, P.Brito 7+3reb+3ast, H.Bayona 6+2reb
Marinos de Anzoategui (LPB) added to their roster experienced 41-year old Panamanian forward Michael Hicks (196-93kg-76, college: Texas A&M-CC). He played last season at Hebraica in Uruguayan LUB league. In 37 games he recorded very impressive stats: 16.9ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.4apg and 1.3spg. Hicks helped them to win the league title (twice) (also twice). A very spectacular season in his career as he was voted to Latinbasket.com Uruguay LUB All-Imports Team, 2nd Team and to the All-Star Game.... [read more]
He played last season at Hebraica in Uruguayan LUB league. In 37 games he recorded very impressive stats: 16.9ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.4apg and 1.3spg. Hicks helped them to win the league title (twice) (also twice). A very spectacular season in his career as he was voted to Latinbasket.com Uruguay LUB All-Imports Team, 2nd Team and to the All-Star Game.
The previous (2016) summer he played at Toros in LPB where in 5 games he averaged 14.6ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.2apg and 1.6spg in 2016 season.
In 2001 Hicks was drafted by Oklahoma Storm (USBL) in fifth round (41st overall).
The former Texas A&M - Corpus Christi staris in his 17th (!!!) season in pro basketball.
He represented Panama at the Centrobasket in Panama City seventeen years ago. Hicks' team got to the Semifinals and his stats at that event were 6 games: 12.8ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT-3 (90.5%).
Hicks is quite experienced player. His career allowed him to visit three different continents, while he played in five different countries. Hicks tasted the life as pro basketball player in Europe, Latin America and of course North America.
He has played previously professionally in Italy (The Flexx Pistoia and Imola), Mexico (Halcones UV Xalapa), Puerto Rico (Gallitos and Manati), Panama (Magnates and P.Lefevre) and Venezuela (Miranda). It's very possible he may end his playing career at Marinos.
Donta Smith selected the top Venezuelan playing abroad in last week's games - 2 days ago
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Here is the weekly review of the top performing Venezuelan players, who play currently abroad. Luis Almanza (196-F-91) led Condores to a victory over the league outsider Piratas in the Colombian Liga DirecTV in Sunday night's game.
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Here is the weekly review of the top performing Venezuelan players, who play currently abroad.
#1. This week's number one is an experienced former international small forward Donta Smith (201-83, college: SE Illinois JC, currently plays in Puerto Rico). Smith was the major contributor in Piratas' victory against the closely-ranked Leones (18-16) 82-68 in the Puerto Rican BSN last Friday.
He recorded 15 points and added 4 assists.
It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Piratas de Quebradillas (19-14) is placed third in the BSN.
It was his team's first victory after four consecutive loses.
There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical.
Smith has relatively good stats this season: 11.9ppg, 5.5rpg, 5.5apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 59.1%(101-171), 3FGP: 36.7%.
He is a naturalized American.
Smith played for the Venezuelan senior national team two years ago.
He used to play for Marinos de Anzoategui in Venezuelan league.
#2. Second place goes to former international forward Jhon Romero (199-85, currently plays in Colombia). Romero could not help Piratas (4-10) in their last game on Sunday. Despite his very good performance the bottom-ranked Piratas was edged 91-88 on the road by the higher-ranked Condores (#5).
Romero recorded a double-double by scoring 21 points and getting 13 rebounds.
Romero has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 16.0ppg, 10.0rpg, 2FGP: 40.2%, 3FGP: 13.3% and FT: 63.8%.
Romero played for the Venezuelan national team in 2011.
#3. The Venezuelan player who performed third best last week abroad was former U17 international swingman Jesus Medina (188-94, currently plays in Colombia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Jhon Romero and both played together in the last Colombian Liga DirecTV game.
Medina. He was not able to help Piratas (4-10) in their last game. Despite Medina's very good performance the bottom-ranked Piratas was edged 91-88 in Cundinamarca by the higher-ranked (#5) Condores.
He scored 17 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished 8 assists (was perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line) in 35 minutes.
This year Medina has relatively solid stats: 14.0ppg, 5.5rpg, 6.5apg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 33.3% in two games he played so far.
He played for the Venezuelan U17 national team six years ago.
#4. Power forward Luis Julio (201-80, currently plays in Colombia) led Fast Break to a 3-point victory against the closely-ranked Academia (9-5) 88-85 in the Colombian Liga DirecTV in Wednesday night's game.
He scored 13 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 21 minutes.
It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Fast Break (11-1) is placed first in the Liga DirecTV.
It was his team's tenth consecutive victory in a row.
This year Julio's overall stats are: 6.4ppg, 7.9rpg and 1.1apg in seven games.
He has a dual citizenship: Venezuelan and Colombian.
Julio used to play for the Venezuelan national team
back in 2009.
The list of other players, who all have Venezuelan passport but never been selected to any of Venezuelan national teams:
#1.Luis Almanza (196-F-91, currently plays in Colombia) led Condores to a 3-point victory over the league outsider Piratas (4-10) 91-88 in the Colombian Liga DirecTV in Sunday night's game.
He was MVP of the game. Almanza had a double-double by scoring 27 points and getting 10 rebounds in 40 minutes.
Condores de Cundinamarca (6-8) is placed fifth in the Liga DirecTV.
Almanza has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 17.0ppg, 8.9rpg and 1.5apg in 14 games he played so far.
#2.Hector Diaz (197-G/F-92, currently plays in Colombia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Luis Almanza. But that was another game of his team in Colombian Liga DirecTV which we would like to mention.
Diaz could not help Condores (6-8) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Condores lost 80-91 at home to the league outsider (#8) Piratas.
Diaz recorded 16 points, 8 assists and 6 steals in 36 minutes.
This year Diaz has relatively solid stats: 12.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.0apg and 2.3spg in 14 games.
He has a dual citizenship: Venezuelan and Colombian.
#3.Dario Castro (206-C-91, currently plays in Colombia) was not able to help Sabios in their game against Patriotas (4-10) in the Colombian PBD.
Castro recorded only 4 points and grabbed 5 rebounds.
Sabios was defeated 77-72 on their home court in Manizales by the one of league's weakest teams Patriotas (#7).
It was Sabios' third consecutive loss in a row.
Castro's overall stats this season are: 4.9ppg and 2.9rpg.
#4.Michael Hinestroza Javes (208-F-90, college: UALR, currently plays in Colombia) contributed to a Fast Break's victory against the closely-ranked Academia (9-5) 77-69 in the Colombian Liga DirecTV last Tuesday.
He scored 9 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished 4 assists.
It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Fast Break (11-1) is placed first in the Liga DirecTV.
It was his team's tenth consecutive victory in a row.
Hinestroza Javes' total stats this season are: 7.4ppg, 5.6rpg and 1.1apg.
He is another player who holds two passports: Venezuelan and Colombian.
Marinos de Anzoategui (LPB) re-signed experienced 41-year old former international swingman Oscar Torres (198-76, agency: Interperformances). He has played there for the last five seasons. In 10 LPB games he averaged 7.9ppg and 2.7rpg last season. Among other achievements Torres' team won Venezuelan LPB Eastern Conference Regular Season in 2016. He was selected to Venezuelan LPB All-Star Game in 2012 and 2016. Torres also represented Venezuela at the Olympic Games Additional Qualifying Ro... [read more]
Marinos de Anzoategui (LPB) re-signed experienced 41-year old former international swingman Oscar Torres (198-76, agency: Interperformances). He has played there for the last five seasons. In 10 LPB games he averaged 7.9ppg and 2.7rpg last season. Among other achievements Torres' team won Venezuelan LPB Eastern Conference Regular Season in 2016. He was selected to Venezuelan LPB All-Star Game in 2012 and 2016. Torres also represented Venezuela at the Olympic Games Additional Qualifying Round in Caracas (Venezuela) five years ago. But his stats at that event were not that impressive as he did not score anything. Torres is a very experienced player. He has played also professionally in Italy (Fortituto Kontatto Bologna, UBC and Napoli Megaride), Russia (CSKA Moscow and Khimki), Spain (CB Tarragona_2017), Turkey (Turk Telekom) and NBA (Golden State Warriors). It may be one of last seasons in his extensive career, which he may end at Marinos. Let's have closer look into Torres' outlook:
The main offensive weapon in Venezuela today; a natural born scorer, almost unstoppable in penetration at FIBA level, who improved his outside shooting and, above all, his defense in his first NBA season;.
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