SLB Round 5: Cangrejeros lose their first game against Gigantes

There was no lack of interesting games this 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 Cangrejeros (0-1) in Puerto Ordaz on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by fourth ranked Gigantes (3-2) 74-61. Gigantes forced 19 Cangrejeros turnovers and outrebounded them 41-28 including a 16-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Swingman Luis Duarte (190-94) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds for the winners and the former international forward Axiers Sucre (199-78) chipped in 16 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. The former international swingman Jorge Rondon (193-90) responded with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Gigantes moved-up to third place. Cangrejeros at the other side still closes the standings with one game lost. Gigantes will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Cangrejeros will play at home against the league's leader Guaiqueries (#1) and hope to get finally their first victory.
Another exciting game was a derby match between two teams from Caracas: Spartans (#1) and Broncos (#3). Spartans (5-0) won against visiting Broncos (2-2) 85-71. International swingman Pedro Chourio (186-90, agency: Pro Sports) nailed 24 points and 6 assists for the winning side and Lenin Lopez accounted for 16 points and 8 assists. International point guard Garly Sojo (196-99) came up with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds for Broncos in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Undefeated Spartans have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 5-0 record, which they share with Guaiqueries. Broncos at the other side dropped to the fourth position with two games lost. They share it with Bucaneros and Indios. Spartans will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Broncos will play at home against Bucaneros (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Valencia. Second ranked host Trotamundos (4-1) smashed 4th placed Indios (2-2) 77-49. The best player for the winners was Elvis Baez who scored 18 points and 5 rebounds. Cesar Silva produced 10 points for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for Trotamundos. They maintain second place with 4-1 record behind leader Spartans. Loser Indios keep the fourth position with two games lost. They share it with Bucaneros and Broncos. Trotamundos will meet Condores (#8) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Indios will play against Supersonicos (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Brillantes has registered their first victory this season after four consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Heroes (1-4) 69-63. Neill Ojeda orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Brillantes left bottom position moving up to eighth place, which they share with defeated Heroes. Brillantes' next round opponent will be higher ranked Llaneros (#7) and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
SLB top team - Guaiqueries (5-0) had no problems winning another game on Monday. This time they beat eighth ranked Condores (0-3) in Porlamar 78-60. Jose Materan stepped up and scored 16 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Condores' coach Gustavo Garcia rotated twelve players seeing no chance for a win. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Guaiqueries. They maintain first place with 5-0 record, which they share with Spartans. Condores lost their third game in a row. They still close the standings with three games lost. Guaiqueries will face Cangrejeros (#7) in Maturin in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Condores will play at home against the league's second-placed Trotamundos and look forward to get finally their first victory.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 5: winless Taurinos lost to Supersonicos on the opponent's court 79-90. Gladiadores unfortunately lost to Diablos in a home game 66-73. Llaneros recorded a loss to Bucaneros on the road 69-82.

Supersonicos - Taurinos 90-79

Rather expected game when bottom-ranked Taurinos (0-3) were defeated on the road by sixth ranked Supersonicos (2-3) 90-79 on Sunday. Supersonicos forced 19 Taurinos turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Taurinos were plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Colombian power forward Luis Almanza (196-91) stepped up and scored 20 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and Evert Bernal (195-96) chipped in 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. The former international guard Michael Flores (192-85) responded with 18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals and forward Jesus Rodriguez (200-93) scored 12 points and 9 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Supersonicos moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Gladiadores. Taurinos lost their third game in a row. They still close the standings with three games lost. Supersonicos will face higher ranked Indios (#4) in Caracas in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Taurinos will play against Centauros (#6) and look forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Supersonicos: L.Almanza 20+9reb+4ast, E.Bernal 18+6reb+5ast, A.Tadeo Rodriguez 16+7reb+1ast, O.Alvarez 12+2reb+1ast, A.Acosta 8+1reb+5ast, P.Romer 7+5reb+1ast
Taurinos: M.Flores 18+8reb+4ast, R.Guevara 14+3reb+2ast, J.Rodriguez 12+9reb+3ast, L.Betancourt 12+4reb+2ast, R.Valdez 7+3reb+3ast, J.Vargas 6+1reb+1ast

Gigantes - Cangrejeros 74-61

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Cangrejeros (0-1) in Puerto Ordaz on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by fourth ranked Gigantes (3-2) 74-61. Gigantes forced 19 Cangrejeros turnovers and outrebounded them 41-28 including a 16-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Swingman Luis Duarte (190-94) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds for the winners and the former international forward Axiers Sucre (199-78) chipped in 16 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. The former international swingman Jorge Rondon (193-90) responded with 16 points and 6 rebounds and Edixon Figueroa (187-94) scored 12 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Gigantes moved-up to third place. Cangrejeros at the other side still closes the standings with one game lost. Gigantes will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Cangrejeros will play at home against the league's leader Guaiqueries (#1) and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Gigantes: L.Duarte 21+11reb+1ast, J.Vargas 17+5reb+4ast, A.Sucre 16+10reb+5ast, G.Curvelo 9+6reb+2ast, A.Arias 6+4reb+1ast, D.Rondon 3
Cangrejeros: J.Rondon 16+6reb+2ast, E.Figueroa 12+5reb+2ast, K.Lemus 8+3reb+1ast, C.Lopez 8+3reb, S.Torres 5+5reb+3ast, A.Acosta 4+1reb+1ast

Gladiadores - Diablos 66-73

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fourth ranked Diablos' (3-1) road victory over 5th ranked Gladiadores (2-3) 73-66 on Sunday. They outrebounded Gladiadores 47-32 including 32 on the defensive glass. The former international forward Jhon Romero (199-85) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 15 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners and the former international forward Tulio Cobos (197-86, college: Northeastern St.) chipped in 17 points and 8 rebounds. Point guard Humberto Bompart (183-94) responded with 17 points and 6 assists and forward Deivis Ananguren (192-85) scored 10 points and 7 rebounds. Four Gladiadores players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Diablos moved-up to second place, which they share with Cocodrilos. Loser Gladiadores keep the fifth position with three games lost. Diablos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Cocodrilos.
Top scorers:
Diablos: J.Romero 17+15reb+3ast, T.Cobos 17+8reb+1ast, J.Centeno 10+4reb+5ast, C.Anyelo 8+10reb+1ast, I.Argenis 7+6reb+1ast, M.Sierralta 5+3reb+1ast
Gladiadores: H.Bompart 17+3reb+6ast, L.Maneiro 14+1reb+1ast, D.Ananguren 10+7reb+2ast, L.Velasquez 10+1reb+2ast, D.Martinez 5+6reb+1ast, K.Gonzalez 3+3reb+2ast

Spartans - Broncos 85-71

Another exciting game was a derby match between two teams from Caracas: Spartans (#1) and Broncos (#3). Spartans (5-0) won against visiting Broncos (2-2) 85-71. Spartans forced 23 Broncos turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. International swingman Pedro Chourio (186-90, agency: Pro Sports) nailed 24 points and 6 assists for the winning side and the former international forward Lenin Lopez (198-91) accounted for 16 points and 8 assists. Five Spartans players scored in double figures. International point guard Garly Sojo (196-99) came up with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds and naturalized Colombian Hector Diaz (192-92) added 13 points respectively for Broncos in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Spartans have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 5-0 record, which they share with Guaiqueries. Broncos at the other side dropped to the fourth position with two games lost. They share it with Bucaneros and Indios. Spartans will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Broncos will play at home against Bucaneros (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Spartans: P.Chourio 24+2reb+6ast, L.Lopez 16+4reb+8ast, J.Rodriguez 14+10reb+1ast, J.Sojo 11+5reb+4ast, N.Palacios 10+5reb+1ast, C.Elian 3+3reb
Broncos: S.Garly 19+11reb+3ast, H.Diaz 13+3reb+2ast, A.Morillo 13+1reb+2ast, J.Manaure 9+1reb+1ast, J.Martinez 6+1reb+1ast, R.Yriarte 5+4reb

Brillantes - Heroes 69-63

Brillantes has registered their first victory this season after four consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Heroes (1-4) 69-63. Neill Ojeda (190-90) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists. Swingman Melvin Zambrano (193-95) contributed with 18 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Naturalized Colombian Jackson Zapata (198-85) answered with 16 points and 6 rebounds and swingman Kevin Nino (195-91) added 10 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Heroes. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Brillantes left bottom position moving up to eighth place, which they share with defeated Heroes. Brillantes' next round opponent will be higher ranked Llaneros (#7) and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Brillantes: M.Zambrano 18+7reb+2ast, N.Ojeda 16+12reb+6ast, H.Ortega 13+10reb, G.Jesuangel 8+2reb+1ast, R.Rada 7+5reb+2ast, D.Reyes 3+1reb
Heroes: J.Zapata 16+6reb, R.Perez 13+4reb+2ast, K.Nino 10+7reb+3ast, A.Iglesias 6+8reb+1ast, S.Quiroz 6+3reb+3ast, M.Colina 4+1reb

Guaiqueries - Condores 78-60

SLB top team - Guaiqueries (5-0) had no problems winning another game on Monday. This time they beat eighth ranked Condores (0-3) in Porlamar 78-60. They outrebounded Condores 44-30 including 29 on the defensive glass. Condores were plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. International swingman Jose Materan (196-96) stepped up and scored 16 points and 5 rebounds for the winners and international power forward Eliezer Montano (206-91) chipped in 10 points and 11 rebounds. Four Guaiqueries players scored in double figures. Colombian forward Miguel Fernandez (194-92) responded with 20 points and 7 rebounds and power forward Erick Rodriguez (201-99) scored 12 points and 9 rebounds. Condores' coach Gustavo Garcia rotated twelve players seeing no chance for a win. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Guaiqueries. They maintain first place with 5-0 record, which they share with Spartans. Condores lost their third game in a row. They still close the standings with three games lost. Guaiqueries will face Cangrejeros (#7) in Maturin in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Condores will play at home against the league's second-placed Trotamundos and look forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Guaiqueries: J.Materan 16+5reb+2ast, G.Correa 13+2reb+3ast, E.Martinez 12+3reb+3ast, E.Montano 10+11reb+2ast, L.Carrillo 9+8reb, L.Palacios 8+3reb+7ast
Condores: M.Fernandez 20+7reb+2ast, E.Rodriguez 12+9reb, H.Anthony 7+2reb, C.Gascon 6+3reb+3ast, K.Perez 5+5reb+6ast, J.Lopez 4+1ast

Bucaneros - Llaneros 82-69

Everything could happen in La Guaira at the game between two tied teams. Both sixth ranked Bucaneros and 7th ranked Llaneros had identical 1-2 record. This time Bucaneros used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from 82-69 on Monday night. Bucaneros looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Eduardo Diaz (205-93) stepped up and scored 15 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and swingman Irwin Heredia (190-0) chipped in 16 points. Four Bucaneros players scored in double figures. Francisco Marquez (190-93) responded with 27 points and center Carlos Rodriguez (206-89) scored 8 points and 16 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Bucaneros (2-2) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Broncos and Indios. Llaneros lost their third game in a row. They keep the seventh position with three games lost. Bucaneros will face Broncos (#4) in Caracas in the next round. Llaneros will play against Brillantes and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Bucaneros: I.Heredia 16+4reb+2ast, E.Hernandez 16+2reb+3ast, E.Diaz 15+7reb+3ast, J.Mendoza 11+2reb+2ast, L.Diaz 7+6reb+3ast, D.Bryant 6+2reb+3ast
Llaneros: F.Marquez 27+2reb+1ast, J.Pinango 17+1reb+2ast, C.Rodriguez 8+16reb+2ast, J.Martinez 6+5reb+3ast, L.Cappare 5+1reb+1ast, J.Tovar 2+1reb

Trotamundos - Indios 77-49

The game between Top Four teams took place in Valencia. Second ranked host Trotamundos (4-1) smashed 4th placed Indios (2-2) 77-49. The best player for the winners was swingman Elvis Baez (191-89) who scored 18 points and 5 rebounds. The former international center Miguel Marriaga (205-84) chipped in 13 points and 5 rebounds. Four Trotamundos players scored in double figures. The former international swingman Cesar Silva (190-81) produced 10 points and the former international forward Derwin Ramirez (191-82) added 8 points respectively for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for Trotamundos. They maintain second place with 4-1 record behind leader Spartans. Loser Indios keep the fourth position with two games lost. They share it with Bucaneros and Broncos. Trotamundos will meet Condores (#8) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Indios will play against Supersonicos (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Trotamundos: E.Baez 18+5reb+1ast, B.Yosmar 14+4reb, M.Marriaga 13+5reb+1ast, A.Amundaray 10+4reb, M.Joe 9+3reb+1ast, C.Milano 4+6reb+2ast
Indios: C.Silva 10+4reb+3ast, D.Ramirez 8+3reb+1ast, J.Mejias 6+1reb+3ast, M.Ronaiquer 6+4reb, J.Figueroa 5+4reb+1ast, G.Yhoyfer 4+2reb+1ast



Tags : LUIS DUARTE, GIGANTES DE GUAYANA, VENEZUELAN BASKETBALL