SLB Round 3: Spartans keep a leadership position

It's still too early stage of the Regular Season in SLB, but even now we can clearly see the differece between stronger teams and outsiders. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

Spartans smashed Heroes in Caracas 97-62. Spartans looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 5 passes made by Heroes' players. The best player for the winners was the former international center Javinger Vargas (202-90) who scored 20 points. International swingman Pedro Chourio (186-90, agency: Pro Sports) chipped in 18 points. At the other side the best for losing team was swingman Kevin Nino (195-91) who recorded 17 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Heroes will play next round against Bucaneros trying to get back on the winning streak. Spartans will try to continue on its current victory against Llaneros on the road.
Condores (0-1) recorded a loss on the court of Centauros. Visitors were edged by Centauros 64-61. It was a good game for Dominican guard Kelvin Pena (193-80, college: Southeastern, agency: BMS Sport Agency) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. Jose Bracho contributed with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Colombian forward Miguel Fernandez (194-92) answered with 14 points and 8 rebounds for Condores. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Centauros will play against Cangrejeros (#7) in Maturin in the next round. Condores will play at home against Gigantes and hope to get finally their first victory.
A very close game took place in Puerto Ordaz between Indios and Gigantes. Indios (2-0) got a very close victory on the road over Gigantes (1-2). Indios managed to escape with a 2-point win 77-75 on Thursday evening. It was a great evening for Harold Cazorla who led his team to a victory scoring 14 points and 5 assists. The best for the losing side was Axiers Sucre with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 11 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Indios will meet at home Guaiqueries in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Gigantes will play against Condores and hope to win that game.
A very interesting game took place in La Guaira. It ended with only two-point home defeat of Bucaneros (1-1) to Gladiadores (1-2) 77-75 in the fight for the fourth place. It was an exceptional evening for Humberto Bompart who led the winners and scored 20 points, 5 assists and 5 steals. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Gladiadores' next round opponent will be Brillantes (#8). Bucaneros will play against Heroes in Caracas and hope to win that game.
Guaiqueries delivered the third consecutive victory on Thursday night. This time they crushed Supersonicos (1-2) 92-60 in Porlamar. The best player for the winners was Jose Ascanio who scored 16 points and 6 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guaiqueries will face Indios in Caracas in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Supersonicos will play at home against Trotamundos and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games of round 3 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Diablos defeated Brillantes in Caracas 74-68. Cocodrilos beat Llaneros at home 82-66. Winless Taurinos lost to Trotamundos on the opponent's court 72-81.

Brillantes - Diablos 68-74

The game between closely ranked teams ended with Brillantes' (0-3) home loss to Diablos (2-1) 68-74 on Wednesday. Diablos outrebounded Brillantes 51-35 including a 40-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was swingman Morris Sierralta (190-87) who scored 22 points and 7 rebounds. The former international forward Tulio Cobos (197-86, college: Northeastern St.) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds. Four Diablos players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was Neill Ojeda (190-90) who recorded 21 points and 7 rebounds and swingman Hector Ortega (195-0) added 14 points and 8 rebounds respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Diablos will have a break next round. Brillantes will play against Gladiadores (#7) and look forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Diablos: M.Sierralta 22+7reb+2ast, T.Cobos 15+11reb+1ast, J.Romero 11+7reb, I.Argenis 10+4reb+2ast, C.Anyelo 7+5reb+3ast, J.Centeno 4+5reb+4ast
Brillantes: N.Ojeda 21+7reb+3ast, M.Zambrano 15+3reb, H.Ortega 14+8reb, L.Zerpa 9+2reb+1ast, R.Rada 9+4reb+3ast, G.Jesuangel 0

Centauros - Condores 64-61

Condores (0-1) recorded a loss on the court of Centauros. Visitors were edged by Centauros 64-61. They dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Condores' 30. They outrebounded Condores 53-32 including a 42-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a good game for Dominican guard Kelvin Pena (193-80, college: Southeastern, agency: BMS Sport Agency) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. The former international Jose Bracho (190-98) contributed with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Colombian forward Miguel Fernandez (194-92) answered with 14 points and 8 rebounds and guard Alexander de la Paz (184-99) added 19 points in the effort for Condores. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Centauros will play against Cangrejeros (#7) in Maturin in the next round. Condores will play at home against Gigantes and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Centauros: J.Bracho 13+8reb+6ast, K.Pena 12+11reb+6ast, L.Germany 11+5reb+2ast, J.Pinero 9+4reb, J.Sulbaran 6+10reb+1ast, I.Jr Ludwing 5+2reb+1ast
Condores: A.de la Paz 19+1reb+1ast, M.Fernandez 14+8reb+2ast, E.Rodriguez 8+9reb, J.Perez 8+5reb, R.Millan 3+1reb+1ast, J.Lopez 3+2reb

Cocodrilos - Llaneros 82-66

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams in Caracas where Cocodrilos (2-1) defeated Llaneros (1-1) 82-66 on Wednesday. The best player for the winners was the former international point guard Gregory Vargas (182-86, agency: Pro Sports) who scored 13 points and 9 assists. The former international forward Luis Bethelmy (200-86) chipped in 11 points and 8 rebounds. Five Cocodrilos players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was Graddy Osorio (193-87) who recorded 14 points and Gustavo Castillo (194-98) added 8 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Cocodrilos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Broncos.
Top scorers:
Cocodrilos: J.Diaz 16+2reb+1ast, G.Vargas 13+2reb+9ast, L.Bethelmy 11+8reb+2ast, E.Hernandez 10+3reb+1ast, N.Colmenares 10+6reb+2ast, C.Garcia 9+1reb
Llaneros: G.Osorio 14+3reb+3ast, C.Gustavo 8+5reb, L.Cappare 8+1reb, J.Pinango 7+1reb, C.Centeno 7+1ast, C.Rodriguez 5+3reb

Trotamundos - Taurinos 81-72

Very expected game in Valencia where Taurinos (0-2) were defeated by Trotamundos (2-1) 81-72 on Wednesday. Trotamundos forced 19 Taurinos turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The best player for the winners was swingman Elvis Baez (191-89) who scored 30 points and 5 assists (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). The former international center Miguel Marriaga (205-84) chipped in a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international center Alejandro Barrios (204-79) who recorded 25 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) and forward Jesus Rodriguez (200-93) added 14 points and 7 rebounds respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Trotamundos will face Supersonicos (#5) in the next round.
Top scorers:
Trotamundos: E.Baez 30+4reb+5ast, M.Marriaga 19+11reb+1ast, M.Joe 9, A.Amundaray 8+1reb+3ast, D.Smith 5+3reb+5ast, C.Milano 4+5reb+6ast
Taurinos: A.Barrios 25+7reb+1ast, J.Rodriguez 14+7reb, L.Betancourt 11+2reb, R.Valdez 8+4reb+4ast, R.Machado 5+4reb+2ast, M.Flores 3+1reb+1ast

Spartans - Heroes 97-62

Spartans smashed Heroes in Caracas 97-62. Spartans looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 5 passes made by Heroes' players. The best player for the winners was the former international center Javinger Vargas (202-90) who scored 20 points. International swingman Pedro Chourio (186-90, agency: Pro Sports) chipped in 18 points. At the other side the best for losing team was swingman Kevin Nino (195-91) who recorded 17 points and naturalized Colombian Jackson Zapata (198-85) added 17 points respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Heroes will play next round against Bucaneros trying to get back on the winning streak. Spartans will try to continue on its current victory against Llaneros on the road.
Top scorers:
Spartans: J.Vargas 20+4reb+2ast, P.Chourio 18+3reb+2ast, Y.Sifontes 11+1ast, N.Palacios 9+2reb+5ast, L.Lopez 8+4reb+4ast, A.Sequeira 8+1reb+2ast
Heroes: J.Zapata 17+4reb, K.Nino 17+4reb+2ast, L.Madera 8+4reb, R.Perez 7+3reb+2ast, S.Quiroz 6+1reb, D.Wilkinson 5+4reb

Guaiqueries - Supersonicos 92-60

Guaiqueries delivered the third consecutive victory on Thursday night. This time they crushed Supersonicos (1-2) 92-60 in Porlamar. Guaiqueries forced 23 Supersonicos turnovers and outrebounded them 45-34 including 16 on the offensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Supersonicos' players. The best player for the winners was international forward Jose Ascanio (204-96) who scored 16 points and 6 rebounds. International Gendry Correa (190-95) chipped in 17 points. Five Guaiqueries players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Wilkerman Gomez (190-1) who recorded 18 points and point guard Osman Alvarez (174-93) added 11 points respectively. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guaiqueries will face Indios in Caracas in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Supersonicos will play at home against Trotamundos and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Guaiqueries: G.Correa 17+3reb+1ast, J.Ascanio 16+6reb+3ast, L.Carrillo 11+5reb, H.Guillent 11+4reb+3ast, J.Materan 10+3reb+5ast, G.Carlos 7+3reb+2ast
Supersonicos: W.Gomez 18+3reb, O.Alvarez 11+3reb+3ast, L.Almanza 10+2reb+1ast, E.Bernal 5+7reb, A.Acosta 5+3ast, A.Tadeo Rodriguez 4+5reb

Bucaneros - Gladiadores 75-77

A very interesting game took place in La Guaira. It ended with only two-point home defeat of Bucaneros (1-1) to Gladiadores (1-2) 77-75 in the fight for the fourth place. Gladiadores forced 22 Bucaneros turnovers. It was an exceptional evening for point guard Humberto Bompart (183-94) who led the winners and scored 20 points, 5 assists and 5 steals. The former international point guard Carlos Cedeno (193-85, college: Frank Phillips) accounted for 15 points and 4 assists for the winning side. Point guard Emiro Hernandez (188-94) came up with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international forward Eduardo Torres (194-81) added 16 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Bucaneros in the defeat. Four Bucaneros players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Gladiadores' next round opponent will be Brillantes (#8). Bucaneros will play against Heroes in Caracas and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Gladiadores: H.Bompart 20+3reb+5ast, C.Cedeno 15+2reb+4ast, L.Velasquez 9+2reb+1ast, K.Gonzalez 8+2reb+2ast, D.Ananguren 7+7reb, Y.Umbria 6+1reb+1ast
Bucaneros: E.Torres 16+7reb, E.Hernandez 14+5reb+5ast, E.Diaz 11+5reb, I.Heredia 10+3reb+1ast, L.Diaz 8+4reb+2ast, M.Diaz 5+1reb

Gigantes - Indios 75-77

A very close game took place in Puerto Ordaz between Indios and Gigantes. Indios (2-0) got a very close victory on the road over Gigantes (1-2). Indios managed to escape with a 2-point win 77-75 on Thursday evening. It was a great evening for the former international point guard Harold Cazorla (175-91, agency: Promo Sport ID) who led his team to a victory scoring 14 points and 5 assists. The former international swingman Cesar Silva (190-81) helped adding 17 points. Four Indios players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was the former international forward Axiers Sucre (199-78) with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 11 rebounds and Gregory Curvelo (195-90) scored 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Indios will meet at home Guaiqueries in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Gigantes will play against Condores and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Indios: C.Silva 17+3reb+2ast, E.Cappare 14+2reb+1ast, H.Cazorla 14+3reb+5ast, J.Acevedo 10+6reb+1ast, J.Diaz 9+5reb, D.Ramirez 7+5reb+6ast
Gigantes: G.Curvelo 12+6reb+4ast, E.Mijares 12+1reb+3ast, F.Lucena 12+2reb+1ast, A.Sucre 11+11reb+2ast, L.Duarte 9+4reb+3ast, J.Vargas 9+7reb+5ast



Tags : JAVINGER VARGAS, SPARTANS DE DISTRICTO CAPITAL CARACAS, VENEZUELAN BASKETBALL