SLB Round 4: Cocodrilos defeat Broncos

The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with loss of the undefeated team, derby games and even winless team recording their first victory. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Broncos (2-1) in Caracas on Friday night. Hosts were edged by third ranked Cocodrilos (3-1) 83-80. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Broncos. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Cocodrilos looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international point guard Gregory Vargas (182-86, agency: Pro Sports) who helped to win the game recording 15 points and 9 assists. International Nestor Colmenares (203-87, college: Campbellsville, agency: Pro Sports) contributed with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. International point guard Garly Sojo (196-99) replied with 27 points and 5 rebounds for Broncos. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Cocodrilos have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Trotamundos. Broncos at the other side dropped to the third position with one game lost. They share it with Diablos and Indios. Cocodrilos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Broncos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Spartans.
An interesting game for Guaiqueries (4-0) which played road game in Caracas against 3rd ranked Indios (2-1). Top-ranked Guaiqueries had an easy win 83-67. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Indios. Worth to mention a great performance of international center Luis Carrillo (206-93) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 9 rebounds and Heissler Guillent who added 11 points during the contest. At the losing side naturalized Dominican power forward Jhoyfer Diaz (200-87) responded with 22 points. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guaiqueries have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-0 record, which they share with Spartans. Indios at the other side keep the third place with one game lost. They share the position with Diablos and Broncos. Guaiqueries will play against Condores (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Indios will play against the league's second-placed Trotamundos (#2) in Valencia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Heroes' fans can celebrate the first win of their team after three consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Bucaneros (1-2) 88-84 on Saturday. The winners were led by Kevin Nino who scored that evening 33 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Even 22 points and 6 assists by Emiro Hernandez did not help to save the game for Bucaneros. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Heroes (1-3) left bottom position moving up to sixth place, which they share with Supersonicos. Loser Bucaneros dropped to the fifth position with two games lost. They share it with Centauros and Llaneros. Heroes will meet Brillantes (#9) in the next round. Bucaneros will play against Llaneros (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
SLB top team - Spartans (4-0) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed seventh ranked Llaneros (1-2) 86-64. Jose Rodriguez fired 9 points, 15 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Spartans have a solid four-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 4-0 record, which they share with Guaiqueries. Llaneros at the other side dropped to the fifth place with two games lost. Spartans' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Broncos.
Bottom-ranked Brillantes is still unable to win any game. This time they lost on the road their fourth consecutive match to seventh ranked Gladiadores (2-2) 83-58 on Friday evening. It was a very good performance for Humberto Bompart who helped to win the game recording 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Gladiadores moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Gigantes. Loser Brillantes still closes the standings with four games lost. Gladiadores will face Diablos (#4) in Caracas in the next round. Brillantes will play at home against Heroes (#8) and hope to get finally their first victory.

In the last two games of round 4 Trotamundos smashed Supersonicos on the road 80-58. Winless Condores were destroyed by Gigantes on its own court 70-91.

Gladiadores - Brillantes 83-58

Bottom-ranked Brillantes is still unable to win any game. This time they lost on the road their fourth consecutive match to seventh ranked Gladiadores (2-2) 83-58 on Friday evening. Gladiadores outrebounded Brillantes 47-34 including 16 on the offensive glass. It was a very good performance for point guard Humberto Bompart (183-94) who helped to win the game recording 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Diego Martinez (192-96) contributed with 16 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Four Gladiadores players scored in double figures. International swingman Raymond Rada (194-97) replied with a double-double by scoring 11 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and Neill Ojeda (190-90) added 3 points and 12 rebounds in the effort for Brillantes. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Gladiadores moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Gigantes. Loser Brillantes still closes the standings with four games lost. Gladiadores will face Diablos (#4) in Caracas in the next round. Brillantes will play at home against Heroes (#8) and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Brillantes: M.Zambrano 12+3reb, R.Rada 11+11reb+4ast, H.Ortega 9+3reb, L.Zerpa 6+2ast, A.Marin 5+1reb+1ast, J.Caraballo 5
Gladiadores: D.Martinez 16+6reb, H.Bompart 13+7reb+4ast, L.Velasquez 13, Y.Umbria 11+4reb+1ast, C.Cedeno 8+5reb+6ast, J.Mendez 6+2reb+2ast

Supersonicos - Trotamundos 58-80

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Trotamundos (3-1) crushed on the road 5th ranked Supersonicos (1-3) 80-58 on Friday. Quite impressive performance for swingman Elvis Baez (191-89) who helped to win the game recording 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Naturalized American Donta Smith (201-83, college: SE Illinois JC) contributed with 16 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. Trotamundos' coach Alfredo Madrid felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Colombian power forward Luis Almanza (196-91) replied with 18 points and Evert Bernal (195-96) added 17 points in the effort for Supersonicos. Trotamundos moved-up to second place, which they share with Cocodrilos. Supersonicos lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth position with three games lost. Trotamundos will face Indios (#3) in Caracas in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Supersonicos will play against Taurinos and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Supersonicos: L.Almanza 18+4reb+1ast, E.Bernal 17+4reb, A.Tadeo Rodriguez 8+8reb+3ast, W.Gomez 7+3reb, A.Espinoza 4+2reb+2ast, A.Acosta 3+4reb+5ast
Trotamundos: E.Baez 17+5reb+6ast, D.Smith 16+3reb+3ast, M.Joe 12+5reb+2ast, M.Marriaga 9+10reb+1ast, A.Amundaray 8+2reb+2ast, A.Lugo 8

Broncos - Cocodrilos 80-83

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Broncos (2-1) in Caracas on Friday night. Hosts were edged by third ranked Cocodrilos (3-1) 83-80. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Broncos. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Cocodrilos looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international point guard Gregory Vargas (182-86, agency: Pro Sports) who helped to win the game recording 15 points and 9 assists. International Nestor Colmenares (203-87, college: Campbellsville, agency: Pro Sports) contributed with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Five Cocodrilos players scored in double figures. International point guard Garly Sojo (196-99) replied with 27 points and 5 rebounds and naturalized Colombian Hector Diaz (192-92) added 9 points and 4 assists in the effort for Broncos. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Cocodrilos have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Trotamundos. Broncos at the other side dropped to the third position with one game lost. They share it with Diablos and Indios. Cocodrilos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Broncos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Spartans.
Top scorers:
Broncos: S.Garly 27+5reb+3ast, C.Jordan 10+3reb+1ast, A.Morillo 9+2reb+3ast, H.Diaz 9+4reb+4ast, J.Finol 8+7reb+1ast, L.Julio 7+2reb
Cocodrilos: G.Vargas 15+3reb+9ast, C.Garcia 15+5reb+1ast, L.Bethelmy 14+5reb+2ast, N.Colmenares 13+5reb+4ast, E.Gimenez 11+4reb+4ast, J.Diaz 6+2reb+2ast

Heroes - Bucaneros 88-84

Heroes' fans can celebrate the first win of their team after three consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Bucaneros (1-2) 88-84 on Saturday. Heroes made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. The winners were led by swingman Kevin Nino (195-91) who scored that evening 33 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 6 assists and the former international swingman Rafael Perez (193-82) supported him with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Even 22 points and 6 assists by point guard Emiro Hernandez (188-94) did not help to save the game for Bucaneros. Leunan Diaz (194-96) added 16 points and 11 rebounds for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Heroes (1-3) left bottom position moving up to sixth place, which they share with Supersonicos. Loser Bucaneros dropped to the fifth position with two games lost. They share it with Centauros and Llaneros. Heroes will meet Brillantes (#9) in the next round. Bucaneros will play against Llaneros (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Bucaneros: E.Hernandez 22+3reb+6ast, L.Diaz 16+11reb+1ast, D.Bryant 13+3reb+2ast, E.Diaz 12+8reb, G.Chourio 7+1reb+2ast, T.Marcano 6+1reb
Heroes: K.Nino 33+5reb+6ast, R.Perez 17+7reb+1ast, S.Quiroz 14+5reb+2ast, J.Zapata 13+6reb+4ast, A.Iglesias 6+8reb, D.Wilkinson 3+4reb

Llaneros - Spartans 64-86

SLB top team - Spartans (4-0) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed seventh ranked Llaneros (1-2) 86-64. Spartans players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Llaneros' players. The former international Jose Rodriguez (197-94) fired 9 points, 15 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. International swingman Pedro Chourio (186-90, agency: Pro Sports) chipped in 18 points and 5 assists. Point guard Leonardo Cappare (185-80) produced 16 points and forward Jose Martinez (196-82) added 6 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Spartans have a solid four-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 4-0 record, which they share with Guaiqueries. Llaneros at the other side dropped to the fifth place with two games lost. Spartans' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Broncos.
Top scorers:
Llaneros: L.Cappare 16+1reb+1ast, J.Tovar 9+2reb, C.Centeno 8+4reb, F.Marquez 7+2reb+2ast, J.Martinez 6+5reb+4ast, C.Gustavo 4+4reb
Spartans: P.Chourio 18+3reb+5ast, L.Lopez 17+5reb+1ast, J.Rodriguez 9+15reb+8ast, M.Escobar 9+2reb+1ast, Y.Sifontes 9+1reb+3ast, T.Gonzalez 7

Condores - Gigantes 70-91

Rather expected game when bottom-ranked Condores (0-2) were smashed at home by fifth ranked Gigantes (2-2) 91-70 on Saturday. Gigantes dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Condores' 44. They outrebounded Condores 55-34 including a 27-10 advantage in offensive rebounds. Gigantes looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by Condores' players. Quite impressive performance for swingman Luis Duarte (190-94) who helped to win the game recording 19 points and 5 rebounds. The former international forward Axiers Sucre (199-78) contributed with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Four Gigantes players scored in double figures. Colombian forward Miguel Fernandez (194-92) replied with 25 points and guard Alexander de la Paz (184-99) added 12 points and 11 rebounds in the effort for Condores. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Gigantes moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Gladiadores. Loser Condores still closes the standings with two games lost. Gigantes will face Cangrejeros (#7) in Maturin in the next round. Condores will play on the road against the league's leader Guaiqueries in Porlamar and look forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Condores: M.Fernandez 25+4reb+2ast, A.de la Paz 12+11reb+1ast, E.Rodriguez 9+8reb+2ast, H.Anthony 7+3reb+2ast, R.Millan 4+1reb, K.Perez 4+3reb+2ast
Gigantes: L.Duarte 19+5reb+3ast, G.Curvelo 13+2reb+1ast, I.Nunez 12+5reb+3ast, A.Sucre 10+12reb+1ast, A.Arias 9+7reb, F.Lucena 6+1reb+2ast

Indios - Guaiqueries 67-83

An interesting game for Guaiqueries (4-0) which played road game in Caracas against 3rd ranked Indios (2-1). Top-ranked Guaiqueries had an easy win 83-67. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Indios. Guaiqueries players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. Indios were plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of international center Luis Carrillo (206-93) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 9 rebounds and international point guard Heissler Guillent (186-86) who added 11 points during the contest. Four Guaiqueries players scored in double figures. At the losing side naturalized Dominican power forward Jhoyfer Diaz (200-87) responded with 22 points and guard Ronaiquer Martinez (184-94) scored 10 points. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guaiqueries have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-0 record, which they share with Spartans. Indios at the other side keep the third place with one game lost. They share the position with Diablos and Broncos. Guaiqueries will play against Condores (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Indios will play against the league's second-placed Trotamundos (#2) in Valencia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Indios: J.Diaz 22+4reb+1ast, M.Ronaiquer 10+4reb+2ast, H.Cazorla 10+1reb+2ast, J.Acevedo 8+2reb, E.Cappare 6+2reb, D.Ramirez 4+4reb+5ast
Guaiqueries: L.Carrillo 16+9reb+1ast, E.Montano 13+1reb, E.Martinez 13+3reb, G.Correa 12+5ast, H.Guillent 11+4reb+3ast, J.Ascanio 9+3reb+2ast



Tags : GREGORY VARGAS, COCODRILOS DE CARACAS, VENEZUELAN BASKETBALL