SLB Round 8: Spartans lose their first game against Diablos

There was no lack of excitement in the last round games. The round ended with defeat of the leader, derby games and favorites losing the games. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Spartans (6-1) in Caracas on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by fourth ranked Diablos (5-2) 78-74. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Spartans. Diablos made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of international forward Anyelo Cisneros (198-97) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 14 points and 14 rebounds and the former international forward Jhon Romero (199-85) who added 13 points and 13 rebounds during the contest. Diablos' coach Manuel Echezuria used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. International guard Yohanner Sifontes (192-95) responded with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. Diablos moved-up to third place, which they share with Broncos. Defending champion Spartans still keep top position with one game lost. They share it with Cocodrilos and Trotamundos. Diablos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Cocodrilos.
Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Caracas: Broncos (#4) and Gladiadores (#5). Broncos (5-2) won against visiting Gladiadores (3-5) 85-76. The winners were led by international point guard Garly Sojo (196-99) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 11 points and 13 rebounds and Michael Rudas supported him with 10 points and 5 assists. Even 15 points and 4 assists by the former international point guard Carlos Cedeno (193-85, college: Frank Phillips) did not help to save the game for Gladiadores. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Broncos have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Diablos. Gladiadores at the other side dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. Broncos' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas .
Another interesting game was again a derby between two local teams from Caracas: Llaneros (#6) and Heroes (#8). Llaneros (3-4) won against visiting Heroes (1-6) 79-71. The best player for the winners was Carlos Rodriguez who had a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds. Rafael Perez produced 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the guests. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Llaneros moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Indios. Heroes lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with six games lost. They share it with Brillantes. Llaneros' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Diablos.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Margarita. 4th ranked host Centauros (3-3) were smashed by top-ranked Guaiqueries (7-0) 102-64. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Centauros. Heissler Guillent orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Undefeated Guaiqueries have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 7-0 record. Centauros at the other side dropped to the fifth place with three games lost. Guaiqueries' next round opponent will be Gigantes (#4) in Puerto Ordaz. Centauros will play on the road against the league's second-placed Trotamundos in La Asuncion and hope to win that game.
Bottom-ranked Cangrejeros (0-4) is still winless. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their fourth consecutive match to fourth ranked Supersonicos (5-3) 84-77 on Sunday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Luis Almanza who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points and 14 rebounds. Cangrejeros' coach Jorge Arrieta rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Supersonicos have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. Loser Cangrejeros still closes the standings with four games lost. Supersonicos will have a break next round. Cangrejeros will play on the road against Indios (#6) in Caracas and hope to get finally their first victory.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 8: Taurinos lost to Gigantes on the opponent's court 79-96. Cocodrilos managed to outperform Bucaneros in a home game 83-67. Indios managed to beat Condores on the road 87-72.

Gigantes - Taurinos 96-79

Rather expected game in Puerto Ordaz where 7th ranked Taurinos (1-5) were defeated by fifth ranked Gigantes (4-3) 96-79 on Saturday. Gigantes shot 61.7 percent from the field. Gigantes outrebounded Taurinos 37-22 including a 24-12 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Taurinos were plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of swingman Luis Duarte (190-94) who helped to win the game recording 25 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) and the former international forward Axiers Sucre (199-78) who added 23 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. The former international guard Michael Flores (192-85) responded with 23 points and 5 rebounds and guard Enderso Ramos (185-95) scored 14 points and 4 assists. Four Gigantes and five Taurinos players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Gigantes moved-up to fourth place. Loser Taurinos keep the seventh position with five games lost. Gigantes will face league's leader Guaiqueries in Porlamar in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Taurinos will play at home against Condores (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Taurinos: M.Flores 23+5reb+2ast, E.Ramos 14+2reb+4ast, R.Perez 11+2ast, L.Betancourt 10+1reb+4ast, J.Rodriguez 10+5reb, O.Polanco 4+2reb+1ast
Gigantes: L.Duarte 25+9reb+4ast, A.Sucre 23+8reb+4ast, J.Vargas 13+4reb+2ast, I.Nunez 10+1reb, E.Mijares 6+2reb+9ast, M.Bolivar 5+3reb+2ast

Centauros - Guaiqueries 64-102

The game between Top Four teams took place in Margarita. 4th ranked host Centauros (3-3) were smashed by top-ranked Guaiqueries (7-0) 102-64. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Centauros. Guaiqueries players were unselfish on offense dishing 32 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Centauros' players. They brought some defensive toughness making 10 blocks. International point guard Heissler Guillent (186-86) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists. International center Luis Carrillo (206-93) contributed with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks for the winners. Five Guaiqueries players scored in double figures. Dominican guard Kelvin Pena (193-80, college: Southeastern) replied with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and forward Ludwing Irazabal Jr (196-98) added 16 points in the effort for Centauros. 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 seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 7-0 record. Centauros at the other side dropped to the fifth place with three games lost. Guaiqueries' next round opponent will be Gigantes (#4) in Puerto Ordaz. Centauros will play on the road against the league's second-placed Trotamundos in La Asuncion and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Centauros: I.Jr Ludwing 16+3reb, L.Germany 14+3reb, K.Pena 14+6reb+4ast, B.Beiker 8+6reb, Y.Valera 3, J.Bracho 3+3reb+5ast
Guaiqueries: H.Guillent 20+6reb+10ast, F.Centeno 14+4reb+4ast, L.Carrillo 12+10reb, J.Materan 11+4reb+4ast, J.Ascanio 11+2reb, G.Correa 10+4reb+3ast

Spartans - Diablos 74-78

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Spartans (6-1) in Caracas on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by fourth ranked Diablos (5-2) 78-74. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Spartans. Diablos made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of international forward Anyelo Cisneros (198-97) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 14 points and 14 rebounds and the former international forward Jhon Romero (199-85) who added 13 points and 13 rebounds during the contest. Four Diablos players scored in double figures. Diablos' coach Manuel Echezuria used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. International guard Yohanner Sifontes (192-95) responded with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals and the former international forward Lenin Lopez (198-91) scored 17 points. Diablos moved-up to third place, which they share with Broncos. Defending champion Spartans still keep top position with one game lost. They share it with Cocodrilos and Trotamundos. 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:
Spartans: P.Chourio 17+3reb+2ast, Y.Sifontes 17+6reb+6ast, L.Lopez 17+4reb+2ast, J.Vargas 8+6reb+1ast, W.Graterol 6+4reb+1ast, N.Palacios 5+2reb+1ast
Diablos: T.Cobos 17+2reb, M.Sierralta 15+2reb+3ast, C.Anyelo 14+14reb+3ast, J.Romero 13+13reb+2ast, J.Centeno 8+5reb+8ast, I.Argenis 5+2reb+3ast

Cocodrilos - Bucaneros 83-67

Rather predictable result in Caracas where second ranked Cocodrilos (6-1) defeated 6th ranked Bucaneros (2-5) 83-67 on Saturday. 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 25 points and 7 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and forward Kelvin Caraballo (198-88) who added 15 points during the contest. Four Cocodrilos players scored in double figures. Point guard Emiro Hernandez (188-94) responded with 15 points and the former international forward Eduardo Torres (194-81) scored 11 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Cocodrilos have an impressive six-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Trotamundos and Spartans. Bucaneros lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh place with five games lost. Cocodrilos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Diablos.
Top scorers:
Bucaneros: E.Hernandez 15+4reb+2ast, E.Torres 11+4reb+1ast, D.Bryant 11+4reb, I.Heredia 8+5reb+1ast, T.Marcano 6+6reb+2ast, E.Diaz 6+5reb+1ast
Cocodrilos: G.Vargas 25+3reb+7ast, K.Caraballo 15+3reb+2ast, C.Garcia 12+4reb+2ast, L.Bethelmy 12+5reb, E.Hernandez 8+3reb, N.Colmenares 5+11reb+4ast

Cangrejeros - Supersonicos 77-84

Bottom-ranked Cangrejeros (0-4) is still winless. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their fourth consecutive match to fourth ranked Supersonicos (5-3) 84-77 on Sunday evening. Supersonicos made 21-of-27 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. Supersonicos outrebounded Cangrejeros 49-28 including a 32-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of Colombian power forward Luis Almanza (196-91) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points and 14 rebounds and Evert Bernal (195-96) who added 20 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. The former international swingman Jorge Rondon (193-90) responded with 22 points and 4 assists and Edixon Figueroa (187-94) scored 9 points. Cangrejeros' coach Jorge Arrieta rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Supersonicos have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. Loser Cangrejeros still closes the standings with four games lost. Supersonicos will have a break next round. Cangrejeros will play on the road against Indios (#6) in Caracas and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Cangrejeros: J.Rondon 22+3reb+4ast, A.Acosta 11, C.Lopez 9+6reb, E.Figueroa 9+4reb+2ast, E.Rios 6+4reb+2ast, R.Jesus 6+1ast
Supersonicos: L.Almanza 21+14reb+1ast, E.Bernal 20+8reb+3ast, O.Alvarez 18+4reb+5ast, A.Acosta 7+2reb+4ast, P.Romer 6+4reb+2ast, A.Espinoza 5+7reb+1ast

Condores - Indios 72-87

Not a big story in a game in Margarita where bottom-ranked Condores (0-6) were defeated by sixth ranked Indios (3-4) 87-72 on Sunday. Indios outrebounded Condores 36-25 including 26 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international point guard Harold Cazorla (175-91, agency: Promo Sport ID) who helped to win the game recording 12 points and 6 assists and swingman Emilio Cappare (199-90) who added 16 points during the contest. Four Indios players scored in double figures. Colombian forward Miguel Fernandez (194-92) responded with 29 points and 5 rebounds and point guard Raul Millan (180-97) scored 17 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Indios moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Llaneros. Loser Condores still closes the standings with six games lost. Indios will face Cangrejeros (#8) in Maturin in the next round. Condores will play on the road against Taurinos in La Asuncion and look forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Condores: M.Fernandez 29+5reb+2ast, R.Millan 17+3reb+2ast, E.Rodriguez 11+6reb+2ast, J.Lopez 4+1reb, C.Gascon 4+3ast, M.Luis 3+1reb
Indios: E.Cappare 16+3reb+2ast, J.Mejias 14+3reb+2ast, C.Silva 12+6reb+2ast, H.Cazorla 12+4reb+6ast, D.Ramirez 9+3reb+3ast, L.Rubianes 7+4reb+2ast

Broncos - Gladiadores 85-76

Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Caracas: Broncos (#4) and Gladiadores (#5). Broncos (5-2) won against visiting Gladiadores (3-5) 85-76. They outrebounded Gladiadores 39-23 including a 27-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. Gladiadores were plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. The winners were led by international point guard Garly Sojo (196-99) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 11 points and 13 rebounds and point guard Michael Rudas (179-94) supported him with 10 points and 5 assists. Five Broncos players scored in double figures. Even 15 points and 4 assists by the former international point guard Carlos Cedeno (193-85, college: Frank Phillips) did not help to save the game for Gladiadores. Forward Diego Martinez (192-96) added 16 points for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Broncos have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Diablos. Gladiadores at the other side dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. Broncos' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas .
Top scorers:
Gladiadores: D.Martinez 16+3reb, C.Cedeno 15+2reb+4ast, K.Gonzalez 14+5reb, H.Bompart 9+2reb+7ast, D.Ananguren 7+4reb, G.Ruben 5
Broncos: J.Manaure 14+2reb, S.Garly 11+13reb+2ast, J.Martinez 11+4reb+2ast, R.Michael 10+3reb+5ast, A.Morillo 10+2reb+3ast, H.Diaz 9+4reb+1ast

Llaneros - Heroes 79-71

Another interesting game was again a derby between two local teams from Caracas: Llaneros (#6) and Heroes (#8). Llaneros (3-4) won against visiting Heroes (1-6) 79-71. Llaneros made 19-of-21 free shots (90.5 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was center Carlos Rodriguez (206-89) who had a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds. Forward Cristian Centeno (195-96) chipped in 16 points. The former international swingman Rafael Perez (193-82) produced 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and naturalized Colombian Jackson Zapata (198-85) added 14 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Llaneros moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Indios. Heroes lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with six games lost. They share it with Brillantes. Llaneros' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Diablos.
Top scorers:
Heroes: R.Perez 18+6reb+5ast, J.Zapata 14+5reb+2ast, S.Quiroz 13+2reb+1ast, N.Moran 12+2reb+2ast, K.Nino 7+1reb+5ast, D.Wilkinson 4+2reb
Llaneros: C.Centeno 16+3reb+3ast, L.Cappare 14+2reb+2ast, C.Rodriguez 13+11reb+1ast, J.Tovar 12+1reb+5ast, F.Marquez 7+3reb, J.Pinango 5



Tags : ANYELO CISNEROS, DIABLOS DE MIRANDA, VENEZUELAN BASKETBALL