SLB Round 6 of Regular Season

There were many interesting games last round. The round ended with derby games and games ending by tiny margin. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The biggest surprise of round 6 in SLB was guest Cocodrilos' (#2) road victory over Diablos (#3) 83-78 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Diablos. Cocodrilos looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was the former international point guard Gregory Vargas (182-86, agency: Pro Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 assists. International Nestor Colmenares (203-87, college: Campbellsville, agency: Pro Sports) chipped in 17 points and 14 rebounds. Cocodrilos' coach Nelson Solorzano used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international forward Jhon Romero (199-85) who recorded 15 points and 7 rebounds. Cocodrilos have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 4-1 record having just three points less than leader Spartans. Diablos at the other side keep the third place with two games lost. They share the position with Gigantes and Broncos. Cocodrilos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Gladiadores.
Important game to mention about took place in La Asuncion. Sixth ranked Centauros (2-2) saved a 1-point derby victory on the road edging bottom-ranked Taurinos (0-4) 74-73 on Wednesday evening. It was a good game for Dominican guard Kelvin Pena (193-80, college: Southeastern, agency: BMS Sport Agency) who saved his team from a defeat with 28 points and 6 rebounds. Jose Bracho contributed with 7 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Guard Enderso Ramos (185-95) replied with 20 points for Taurinos. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Centauros moved-up to fifth place. Taurinos at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Condores. Centauros will play against higher ranked Gigantes (#3) in Puerto Ordaz in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Taurinos will play on the road against Indios (#6) in Caracas and hope to get finally their first victory.
A very close game took place in Caracas between Supersonicos and Indios. Fifth ranked Supersonicos (3-3) got a very close victory on the road over 4th ranked Indios (2-3). Supersonicos managed to escape with a 3-point win 64-61 on Wednesday evening. Luis Almanza had a double-double by scoring 22 points and 14 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners. The best for the losing side was Juan Mejias with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Indios' coach Ivan Garcia tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Supersonicos moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Gladiadores. Indios lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth position with three games lost. They share it with Bucaneros and Llaneros. Supersonicos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Margarita Condores.
Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Caracas: Llaneros (#7) and Brillantes (#8). Llaneros (2-3) won against visiting Brillantes (1-5) 73-63. Jose Martinez notched 17 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Llaneros moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Bucaneros and Indios. Brillantes at the other side keep the eighth position with five games lost. Llaneros' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Broncos.
Another interesting game was again a derby between two local teams from Caracas: Gladiadores (#6) and Heroes (#8). Heroes were defeated at home 69-82 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. The best player for the winners was Humberto Bompart who scored 18 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Gladiadores (3-3) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Supersonicos. Loser Heroes keep the eighth position with five games lost. Gladiadores' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Cocodrilos.

Rest of the games of round 6 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Trotamundos defeated Condores in La Asuncion 77-73. Broncos beat Bucaneros at home 91-83. Guaiqueries destroyed Cangrejeros on the opponent's court 90-55.

Llaneros - Brillantes 73-63

Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Caracas: Llaneros (#7) and Brillantes (#8). Llaneros (2-3) won against visiting Brillantes (1-5) 73-63. Llaneros made 20-of-25 charity shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Forward Jose Martinez (196-82) notched 17 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort and Graddy Osorio (193-87) supported him with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Llaneros players scored in double figures. Even 15 points and 8 rebounds by international swingman Raymond Rada (194-97) did not help to save the game for Brillantes. Neill Ojeda (190-91) added 15 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Llaneros moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Bucaneros and Indios. Brillantes at the other side keep the eighth position with five games lost. Llaneros' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Broncos.
Top scorers:
Brillantes: N.Ojeda 15+5reb+1ast, R.Rada 15+8reb+3ast, H.Ortega 14+4reb+2ast, M.Zambrano 6+7reb, J.Caraballo 6, D.Reyes 4+3reb+5ast
Llaneros: J.Martinez 17+7reb+1ast, L.Cappare 13+1reb+3ast, F.Marquez 12+1reb+1ast, G.Osorio 10+7reb+5ast, C.Rodriguez 6+4reb+1ast, C.Centeno 5+5reb

Condores - Trotamundos 73-77

There was no surprise in Margarita where bottom-ranked Condores (0-4) were defeated by second ranked Trotamundos (5-1) 77-73 on Tuesday. Trotamundos looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was naturalized American Donta Smith (201-83, college: SE Illinois JC) who scored 20 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Swingman Elvis Baez (191-89) chipped in 14 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals. Trotamundos' coach Alfredo Madrid allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was Colombian forward Miguel Fernandez (194-92) who recorded 21 points and 9 rebounds and guard Kervin Perez (191-97) added 11 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Trotamundos have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 5-1 record behind leader Spartans. Loser Condores still closes the standings with four games lost. Trotamundos will face Cangrejeros (#7) in Maturin in the next round where they are favorite. Condores' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Margarita to the arena Supersonicos.
Top scorers:
Condores: M.Fernandez 21+9reb+1ast, K.Perez 11+8reb+5ast, E.Rodriguez 11+6reb, J.Lopez 11+7reb, C.Gascon 9+1reb+3ast, R.Millan 6+1reb+4ast
Trotamundos: D.Smith 20+7reb+6ast, A.Amundaray 18+8reb+3ast, E.Baez 14+9reb+6ast, M.Marriaga 11+13reb+1ast, M.Joe 7+2reb+3ast, V.Daviel 3

Broncos - Bucaneros 91-83

Everything could happen in Caracas at the game between two tied teams. Both fourth ranked Broncos and 5th ranked Bucaneros had identical 2-2 record. This time Broncos used a home court advantage and defeated the opponent from La Guaira 91-83 on Tuesday night. The best player for the winners was international point guard Garly Sojo (196-99) who had a double-double by scoring 14 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Forward Jaime Finol (195-87) chipped in 20 points and 5 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). At the other side the best for losing team was Eduardo Diaz (205-93) who recorded 22 points and 9 rebounds and point guard Emiro Hernandez (188-94) added 14 points respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Broncos (3-2) moved-up to third place, which they share with Gigantes and Diablos. Loser Bucaneros dropped to the sixth position with three games lost. Broncos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Llaneros.
Top scorers:
Bucaneros: E.Diaz 22+9reb+2ast, E.Hernandez 14+3reb+3ast, E.Torres 12+4reb+1ast, D.Bryant 10+4reb+3ast, T.Marcano 7+2reb, I.Heredia 6+4reb+1ast
Broncos: J.Finol 20+5reb, J.Martinez 15+1reb, S.Garly 14+15reb+5ast, A.Morillo 13+1reb+5ast, J.Manaure 7+1reb, R.Michael 7+3reb+3ast

Cangrejeros - Guaiqueries 55-90

Very expected game in Maturin where bottom-ranked Cangrejeros (0-2) were rolled over by top-ranked Guaiqueries (6-0) 90-55 on Tuesday. Guaiqueries forced 20 Cangrejeros turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Cangrejeros' players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Guaiqueries made 11 blocks. The best player for the winners was power forward Jesus Martinez (206-86) who had a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds. International Edgar Martinez (199-97) chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Edixon Figueroa (187-94) who recorded 9 points and 5 rebounds and the former international swingman Jorge Rondon (193-90) added 6 points and 5 rebounds 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. Guaiqueries have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 6-0 record. Loser Cangrejeros still closes the standings with two games lost. Guaiqueries will have a break next round. Cangrejeros will play on the road against the league's second-placed Trotamundos (#2) in La Asuncion and look forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Cangrejeros: E.Figueroa 9+5reb+2ast, K.Lemus 8+1reb+1ast, R.Jesus 7+3reb+1ast, A.Acosta 7+1reb+2ast, J.Rondon 6+5reb+2ast, M.Patino 4+2reb
Guaiqueries: E.Martinez 15+5reb, J.Materan 12+1ast, H.Guillent 10+4reb+3ast, J.Martinez 10+10reb+3ast, G.Carlos 9+2reb+2ast, J.Ascanio 9+6reb+3ast

Taurinos - Centauros 73-74

Important game to mention about took place in La Asuncion. Sixth ranked Centauros (2-2) saved a 1-point derby victory on the road edging bottom-ranked Taurinos (0-4) 74-73 on Wednesday evening. They outrebounded Taurinos 41-27 including a 28-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Taurinos were plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for Dominican guard Kelvin Pena (193-80, college: Southeastern, agency: BMS Sport Agency) who saved his team from a defeat with 28 points and 6 rebounds. The former international Jose Bracho (190-98) contributed with 7 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Guard Enderso Ramos (185-95) replied with 20 points and the former international guard Michael Flores (192-85) added 13 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Taurinos. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Centauros moved-up to fifth place. Taurinos at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Condores. Centauros will play against higher ranked Gigantes (#3) in Puerto Ordaz in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Taurinos will play on the road against Indios (#6) in Caracas and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Taurinos: E.Ramos 20+2reb+3ast, M.Flores 13+7reb+5ast, J.Rodriguez 11+1reb, L.Betancourt 9+4reb+1ast, R.Perez 8+1reb, R.Valdez 4+3reb+2ast
Centauros: K.Pena 28+6reb+3ast, L.Germany 12+3reb, J.Pinero 11+6reb+1ast, J.Bracho 7+8reb+4ast, Y.Valera 6+2reb+1ast, M.Luis 4+1reb+3ast

Diablos - Cocodrilos 78-83

The biggest surprise of round 6 in SLB was guest Cocodrilos' (#2) road victory over Diablos (#3) 83-78 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Diablos. Cocodrilos looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was the former international point guard Gregory Vargas (182-86, agency: Pro Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 assists. International Nestor Colmenares (203-87, college: Campbellsville, agency: Pro Sports) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points and 14 rebounds. Cocodrilos' coach Nelson Solorzano used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international forward Jhon Romero (199-85) who recorded 15 points and 7 rebounds and guard Jesus Centeno (190-85) added 11 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Cocodrilos have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 4-1 record having just three points less than leader Spartans. Diablos at the other side keep the third place with two games lost. They share the position with Gigantes and Broncos. Cocodrilos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Gladiadores.
Top scorers:
Diablos: M.Sierralta 19+1reb+2ast, J.Romero 15+7reb+2ast, C.Anyelo 14+7reb+2ast, J.Centeno 11+6reb+6ast, I.Argenis 9+1reb+2ast, T.Cobos 6+5reb+2ast
Cocodrilos: G.Vargas 21+2reb+10ast, N.Colmenares 17+14reb+1ast, J.Diaz 15+4reb+2ast, L.Bethelmy 13+8reb+2ast, E.Hernandez 7+1reb, L.Montes 5+2reb+3ast

Indios - Supersonicos 61-64

A very close game took place in Caracas between Supersonicos and Indios. Fifth ranked Supersonicos (3-3) got a very close victory on the road over 4th ranked Indios (2-3). Supersonicos managed to escape with a 3-point win 64-61 on Wednesday evening. Supersonicos forced 21 Indios turnovers. Colombian power forward Luis Almanza (196-91) had a double-double by scoring 22 points and 14 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Evert Bernal (195-96) chipped in 13 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was guard Juan Mejias (184-95) with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists and swingman Emilio Cappare (199-90) scored 15 points and 6 rebounds. Indios' coach Ivan Garcia tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Supersonicos moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Gladiadores. Indios lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth position with three games lost. They share it with Bucaneros and Llaneros. Supersonicos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Margarita Condores.
Top scorers:
Indios: E.Cappare 15+6reb, C.Silva 14+4reb+1ast, J.Mejias 12+5reb+7ast, D.Ramirez 8+6reb+3ast, J.Diaz 6+12reb+3ast, D.Macuare 4+3reb
Supersonicos: L.Almanza 22+14reb+1ast, O.Alvarez 15+3reb+5ast, E.Bernal 13+10reb+2ast, W.Gomez 8+3reb+2ast, A.Tadeo Rodriguez 4+3reb+1ast, A.Acosta 1+2reb+1ast

Heroes - Gladiadores 69-82

Another interesting game was again a derby between two local teams from Caracas: Gladiadores (#6) and Heroes (#8). Heroes were defeated at home 69-82 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. Gladiadores looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was point guard Humberto Bompart (183-94) who scored 18 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals. The former international point guard Carlos Cedeno (193-85, college: Frank Phillips) chipped in 12 points and 6 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international swingman Rafael Perez (193-82) who recorded 16 points and 7 rebounds and Steven Quiroz (187-93) added 14 points and 8 rebounds respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Gladiadores (3-3) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Supersonicos. Loser Heroes keep the eighth position with five games lost. Gladiadores' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Cocodrilos.
Top scorers:
Heroes: K.Nino 18+2reb+2ast, R.Perez 16+7reb+3ast, S.Quiroz 14+8reb+2ast, J.Zapata 9+7reb+2ast, C.Yocsy 5+7reb+1ast, N.Moran 2
Gladiadores: H.Bompart 18+8reb+6ast, C.Cedeno 12+6reb, D.Ananguren 10+3reb+2ast, H.Guillent 7+2ast, J.Mendez 6+5reb+7ast, L.Velasquez 6+5reb+2ast



Tags : GREGORY VARGAS, COCODRILOS DE CARACAS, VENEZUELAN BASKETBALL