SLB Round 7: Trotamundos beat Cangrejeros by three after a very close game

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

Seventh-ranked Cangrejeros (0-3) were very close to win a game against second ranked Trotamundos (6-1) in La Asuncion on Friday. Trotamundos managed to secure only three-point victory 62-59. However their fans expected much easier game. Worth to mention a great performance of naturalized American Donta Smith (201-83, college: SE Illinois JC) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 20 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Swingman Elvis Baez (191-89) contributed with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. The former international swingman Jorge Rondon (193-90) answered with 13 points and 6 rebounds for Cangrejeros. Cangrejeros' coach Jorge Arrieta tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Trotamundos have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain second place with 6-1 record having just one point less than leader Spartans. Cangrejeros at the other side still closes the standings with three games lost. Trotamundos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Cangrejeros will play at home against Supersonicos (#3) and hope to get finally their first victory.
Important game to mention about took place in Puerto Ordaz. Fifth ranked Centauros (3-2) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging 3rd placed Gigantes (3-3) 63-61 in the fight for the fourth place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Gigantes. It was a great evening for Dominican guard Kelvin Pena (193-80, college: Southeastern) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points and 5 assists. Luis Germany helped adding 15 points and 11 rebounds. At the losing side Gregory Curvelo (195-90) responded with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 16 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. The victory was the third consecutive win for Centauros. They moved-up to fourth place. Gigantes at the other side dropped to the fifth position with three games lost. Centauros will play against league's leader Guaiqueries in Porlamar in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Gigantes will play at home against Taurinos (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Caracas: Spartans (#1) and Brillantes (#8). Spartans (6-0) won against visiting Brillantes (1-6) 74-67. It was an exceptional evening for Pedro Chourio who led the winners and scored 12 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Neill Ojeda came up with 18 points and 7 rebounds for Brillantes in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Spartans. Defending champion maintains first place with 6-0 record, which they share with Guaiqueries. Loser Brillantes dropped to the ninth position with six games lost. Spartans' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Diablos.
Another exciting game was again a derby between two teams from Margarita: Supersonicos (#4) and Condores (#8). Supersonicos (4-3) crushed visiting Condores (0-5) by 16 points 84-68. Luis Almanza fired a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for Supersonicos. They moved-up to third place. Condores lost their fifth game in a row. They still close the standings with five games lost. Supersonicos' next round opponent will be Cangrejeros (#8) in Maturin which should be theoretically an easy game. Condores will play at home against Indios and look forward to get finally their first victory.
Another exciting game was again a derby match of two local teams from Caracas: Cocodrilos (#2) and Gladiadores (#5). Cocodrilos (5-1) crushed visiting Gladiadores (3-4) by 20 points 92-72. It was a very good performance for Gregory Vargas who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Cocodrilos. They maintain second place with 5-1 record behind leader Spartans. Loser Gladiadores keep the fifth position with four games lost. Cocodrilos will face Bucaneros (#6) in La Guaira in the next round. Gladiadores' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Broncos.

Other games in round 7 were not that significant. Taurinos beat Indios on the road 75-71. Broncos won against Llaneros on its own court 85-77. Diablos managed to outperform Bucaneros in Caracas 70-60.
The most impressive performance of 7th round was 19 points and 15 rebounds by Tulio Cobos of Diablos.

Spartans - Brillantes 74-67

Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Caracas: Spartans (#1) and Brillantes (#8). Spartans (6-0) won against visiting Brillantes (1-6) 74-67. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Spartans made 8 blocks. It was an exceptional evening for international swingman Pedro Chourio (186-90, agency: Pro Sports) who led the winners and scored 12 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. The former international Jose Rodriguez (197-94) accounted for 7 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side. Neill Ojeda (190-91) came up with 18 points and 7 rebounds and international swingman Raymond Rada (194-97) added 15 points respectively for Brillantes in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Spartans. Defending champion maintains first place with 6-0 record, which they share with Guaiqueries. Loser Brillantes dropped to the ninth position with six games lost. Spartans' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Diablos.
Top scorers:
Brillantes: N.Ojeda 18+7reb+1ast, R.Rada 15+4reb+2ast, H.Ortega 9+3reb+2ast, D.Cedeno 8+3reb, L.Zerpa 7+3reb, M.Zambrano 6+7reb+1ast
Spartans: L.Lopez 13+1reb+2ast, P.Chourio 12+6reb+6ast, J.Sojo 9, N.Palacios 8+3reb, J.Rodriguez 7+7reb+3ast, J.Vargas 7+2reb+1ast

Supersonicos - Condores 84-68

Another exciting game was again a derby between two teams from Margarita: Supersonicos (#4) and Condores (#8). Supersonicos (4-3) crushed visiting Condores (0-5) by 16 points 84-68. They outrebounded Condores 52-41 including 18 on the offensive glass. 25 personal fouls committed by Condores helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Colombian power forward Luis Almanza (196-91) fired a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Point guard Osman Alvarez (174-94) chipped in 9 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals. Four Supersonicos players scored in double figures. Power forward Erick Rodriguez (201-99) produced 9 points and 14 rebounds and Colombian forward Miguel Fernandez (194-92) added 19 points respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for Supersonicos. They moved-up to third place. Condores lost their fifth game in a row. They still close the standings with five games lost. Supersonicos' next round opponent will be Cangrejeros (#8) in Maturin which should be theoretically an easy game. Condores will play at home against Indios and look forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Condores: M.Fernandez 19+4reb+1ast, R.Millan 14+3reb+1ast, E.Rodriguez 9+14reb+1ast, C.Gascon 7+3reb+1ast, K.Perez 7+11reb+2ast, H.Anthony 5+1reb
Supersonicos: L.Almanza 17+11reb+1ast, E.Bernal 17+4reb+1ast, A.Espinoza 13+4reb+3ast, W.Gomez 12+4reb, O.Alvarez 9+7reb+9ast, A.Acosta 9+2reb+3ast

Cocodrilos - Gladiadores 92-72

Another exciting game was again a derby match of two local teams from Caracas: Cocodrilos (#2) and Gladiadores (#5). Cocodrilos (5-1) crushed visiting Gladiadores (3-4) by 20 points 92-72. They outrebounded Gladiadores 41-30 including 29 on the defensive glass. Cocodrilos looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. It was a very good performance for the former international point guard Gregory Vargas (182-86, agency: Pro Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. The former international forward Luis Bethelmy (200-86) contributed with 12 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Four Cocodrilos players scored in double figures. Point guard Humberto Bompart (183-94) answered with 15 points and 7 assists and forward Deivis Ananguren (192-85) added 10 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Gladiadores. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Cocodrilos. They maintain second place with 5-1 record behind leader Spartans. Loser Gladiadores keep the fifth position with four games lost. Cocodrilos will face Bucaneros (#6) in La Guaira in the next round. Gladiadores' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Broncos.
Top scorers:
Gladiadores: H.Bompart 15+4reb+7ast, C.Cedeno 12+2reb+4ast, D.Ananguren 10+6reb+3ast, D.Martinez 9+4reb, Y.Umbria 6+4reb+2ast, H.Guillent 5+1reb+1ast
Cocodrilos: G.Vargas 22+10reb+6ast, C.Garcia 14+6ast, E.Hernandez 13+4reb+1ast, L.Bethelmy 12+8reb+1ast, N.Colmenares 9+6reb+5ast, E.Gimenez 7+4reb

Gigantes - Centauros 61-63

Important game to mention about took place in Puerto Ordaz. Fifth ranked Centauros (3-2) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging 3rd placed Gigantes (3-3) 63-61 in the fight for the fourth place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Gigantes. Centauros forced 19 Gigantes turnovers. It was a great evening for Dominican guard Kelvin Pena (193-80, college: Southeastern) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points and 5 assists. Luis Germany (195-95) helped adding 15 points and 11 rebounds. At the losing side Gregory Curvelo (195-90) responded with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 16 rebounds and swingman Luis Duarte (190-94) scored 14 points and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. The victory was the third consecutive win for Centauros. They moved-up to fourth place. Gigantes at the other side dropped to the fifth position with three games lost. Centauros will play against league's leader Guaiqueries in Porlamar in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Gigantes will play at home against Taurinos (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Gigantes: L.Duarte 14+4reb+4ast, G.Curvelo 10+16reb+2ast, A.Sucre 10+8reb, M.Bolivar 8+3reb+1ast, F.Lucena 8+2reb+1ast, J.Vargas 5+5reb+4ast
Centauros: K.Pena 20+4reb+5ast, L.Germany 15+11reb+1ast, J.Bracho 13+6reb+7ast, J.Pinero 5+2reb, J.Sulbaran 4+4reb+5ast, O.Marquez 4+1reb+1ast

Indios - Taurinos 71-75

There was a small surprise when eighth ranked Taurinos (1-4) beat 6th ranked Indios (2-4) in Caracas 75-71 on Friday. Taurinos forced 22 Indios turnovers. Indios were plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. Quite impressive performance for international guard Luis Betancourt (183-2) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 10 points and 12 assists. Guard Rodgel Perez (171-96) contributed with 14 points for the winners. The former international swingman Cesar Silva (190-81) answered with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and swingman Emilio Cappare (199-90) added 15 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Indios. Four Indios players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Taurinos left bottom position moving up to seventh place. It was Indios' fourth loss in a row. They keep the sixth position with four games lost. Taurinos will face higher ranked Gigantes (#5) in Puerto Ordaz in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory.
Top scorers:
Indios: C.Silva 18+10reb+2ast, E.Cappare 15+5reb+1ast, J.Diaz 13+4reb+3ast, H.Cazorla 11+1reb+4ast, J.Figueroa 6+3reb, D.Ramirez 6+6reb+5ast
Taurinos: R.Perez 14+4reb+1ast, M.Flores 12+2reb+2ast, L.Betancourt 10+3reb+12ast, R.Valdez 8, J.Rodriguez 7+4reb, E.Ramos 7+2reb+1ast

Broncos - Llaneros 85-77

Very expected game when 7th ranked Llaneros (2-4) lost to third ranked Broncos (4-2) in Caracas 77-85 on Friday. Broncos forced 20 Llaneros turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Quite impressive performance for international point guard Garly Sojo (196-99) who helped to win the game recording 18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 steals. Naturalized Colombian Hector Diaz (192-92) contributed with 16 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Four Broncos players scored in double figures. Graddy Osorio (193-87) answered with 9 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists and point guard Leonardo Cappare (185-80) added 18 points in the effort for Llaneros. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Broncos maintains third place with 4-2 record having just two points less than leader Spartans, which they share with Diablos. Loser Llaneros dropped to the sixth position with four 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 Gladiadores.
Top scorers:
Llaneros: L.Cappare 18+1ast, C.Rodriguez 14+3reb, V.Luis 12+2reb+2ast, F.Marquez 9+2reb+1ast, G.Osorio 9+9reb+6ast, J.Tovar 8+6reb+4ast
Broncos: S.Garly 18+7reb+5ast, H.Diaz 16+5reb+3ast, J.Manaure 14+2reb+2ast, A.Morillo 11+3reb+5ast, J.Martinez 6+2reb+1ast, L.Julio 6+7reb+1ast

Trotamundos - Cangrejeros 62-59

Seventh-ranked Cangrejeros (0-3) were very close to win a game against second ranked Trotamundos (6-1) in La Asuncion on Friday. Trotamundos managed to secure only three-point victory 62-59. However their fans expected much easier game. Worth to mention a great performance of naturalized American Donta Smith (201-83, college: SE Illinois JC) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 20 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Swingman Elvis Baez (191-89) contributed with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. The former international swingman Jorge Rondon (193-90) answered with 13 points and 6 rebounds and Edixon Figueroa (187-94) added 13 points and 4 assists in the effort for Cangrejeros. Cangrejeros' coach Jorge Arrieta tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Trotamundos have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain second place with 6-1 record having just one point less than leader Spartans. Cangrejeros at the other side still closes the standings with three games lost. Trotamundos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Cangrejeros will play at home against Supersonicos (#3) and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Cangrejeros: J.Rondon 13+6reb+1ast, E.Figueroa 13+2reb+4ast, E.Rios 8+6reb, A.Acosta 7+4reb+2ast, K.Lemus 5+4reb+3ast, C.Lopez 4+7reb+1ast
Trotamundos: D.Smith 20+10reb+4ast, E.Baez 14+5reb+6ast, A.Amundaray 11+4reb+3ast, M.Joe 8+1reb+1ast, M.Marriaga 7+12reb+1ast, V.Daviel 2+1reb

Bucaneros - Diablos 60-70

Rather predictable result when fourth ranked Diablos (4-2) won against 6th ranked Bucaneros (2-4) in La Guaira 70-60 on Friday. Quite impressive performance for the former international forward Tulio Cobos (197-86, college: Northeastern St.) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 19 points and 15 rebounds. International forward Anyelo Cisneros (198-97) contributed with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Point guard Emiro Hernandez (188-94) answered with 22 points and the former international forward Eduardo Torres (194-81) added 13 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Bucaneros. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Diablos moved-up to third place, which they share with Broncos. Loser Bucaneros keep the sixth position with four games lost. Diablos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Spartans.
Top scorers:
Bucaneros: E.Hernandez 22+1reb+1ast, E.Torres 13+6reb, J.Medina 7+5reb+5ast, J.Mendoza 7+8reb+2ast, E.Diaz 6+9reb, L.Diaz 3+6reb
Diablos: T.Cobos 19+15reb+2ast, C.Anyelo 16+10reb+1ast, M.Sierralta 11+1reb+2ast, J.Romero 7+7reb+4ast, G.Edry 5+4reb, I.Argenis 5+6reb+5ast



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