SLB Round 14: Trotamundos beat Taurinos by two after a very close game

The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with derby games, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

Eighth-ranked Taurinos (2-10) were very close to win a game against second ranked Trotamundos (9-4) in La Asuncion on Friday. Trotamundos managed to secure only two-point victory 68-66. However their fans expected much easier game. Trotamundos made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. Trotamundos outrebounded Taurinos 43-31 including a 29-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. 24 personal fouls committed by Taurinos helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. International forward Miguel Ruiz (197-90, agency: Pro Sports) orchestrated the victory by scoring 6 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists. Gabriel Pino (195-99) contributed with 13 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Forward Jesus Rodriguez (200-93) replied with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds for Taurinos. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Trotamundos maintains second position with 9-4 record having four points less than leader Spartans, which they share with Gigantes. Taurinos lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with ten games lost. Trotamundos is looking forward to face Condores (#9) in Margarita in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Taurinos will play on the road against Centauros in Margarita and are hoping to prove to their fans that they can break losing series.
Sixth-ranked Gladiadores (5-8) were very close to win a game against fourth ranked Diablos (9-3) in Caracas. Diablos managed to secure only one-point victory 75-74. However their fans expected easier game. The former international forward Tulio Cobos (197-86, college: Northeastern St.) had a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Jhon Romero chipped in 21 points and 4 assists during the contest. point guard Humberto Bompart (183-94) responded with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Diablos moved-up to third place. Gladiadores lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with eight games lost. Diablos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Cocodrilos.
A very close game took place in Caracas (derby !!!) between Llaneros and Bucaneros. Seventh ranked Llaneros (4-8) got a very close home victory over 5th ranked Bucaneros (5-7). Llaneros managed to escape with a 3-point win 63-60 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Bucaneros. Leonardo Cappare notched 17 points to lead the effort. Llaneros' coach Jesus Cordovez used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Even a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds by Eduardo Torres did not help to save the game for Bucaneros. Llaneros maintains seventh position with 4-8 record. Bucaneros at the other side keep the fifth place with seven games lost. Llaneros' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Brillantes.
Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Caracas: Spartans (#1) and Broncos (#3). Broncos were smashed at home by 21 points 58-79 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. The best player for the winners was Nelson Palacios who scored 14 points and 6 rebounds. 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 three-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 11-2 record. Broncos at the other side dropped to the fourth place with four games lost. Spartans' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena .
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Trotamundos (9-4) against sixth ranked Indios (6-6) on Sunday night. Visiting Trotamundos were crushed by Indios in Caracas 91-71. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Trotamundos. Cesar Silva orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points and 4 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Indios moved-up to fifth place. Loser Trotamundos keep the second position with four games lost. Indios will face Supersonicos (#6) in Margarita in the next round. Trotamundos will play at home against Condores (#9) and hope to win that game.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 14: Supersonicos beat Taurinos on the road 90-84. Cangrejeros lost to Gigantes on its own court 62-76. Guaiqueries outscored Condores in Porlamar 87-66. Heroes recorded a loss to Brillantes at home 68-69.

Taurinos - Supersonicos 84-90

No shocking result in a game when sixth ranked Supersonicos (6-7) beat 8th ranked Taurinos (2-10) in La Asuncion 90-84 on Saturday. Supersonicos dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Taurinos' 38. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Taurinos were plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. Colombian power forward Luis Almanza (196-91) orchestrated the victory by scoring 26 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Wilkerman Gomez (190-1) contributed with 23 points for the winners. The former international guard Michael Flores (192-85) replied with 19 points and 5 assists and guard Enderso Ramos (185-95) added 15 points and 4 assists in the effort for Taurinos. Four Supersonicos and five Taurinos players scored in double figures. Taurinos' coach Nestor Garcia rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Supersonicos maintains sixth position with 6-7 record. Taurinos lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with ten games lost. Supersonicos will face higher ranked Indios (#5) in Caracas in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Taurinos will play on the road against Centauros in Margarita and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Taurinos: M.Flores 19+4reb+5ast, E.Ramos 15+4reb+4ast, R.Guevara 14+1reb+3ast, J.Rodriguez 12+6reb+1ast, L.Betancourt 11+3reb+1ast, O.Polanco 5+2reb+3ast
Supersonicos: L.Almanza 26+8reb+2ast, W.Gomez 23+4reb+3ast, P.Romer 12+5reb, E.Bernal 12+4reb+3ast, A.Tadeo Rodriguez 6+9reb, O.Alvarez 6+2reb+5ast

Cangrejeros - Gigantes 62-76

Very expected game when 7th ranked Cangrejeros (2-8) lost to third ranked Gigantes (9-4) in Maturin 62-76 on Saturday. Gigantes looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Cangrejeros' players. Gregory Curvelo (195-90) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). Swingman Luis Duarte (190-94) contributed with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. The former international swingman Jorge Rondon (193-90) replied with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds and Salvador Torres (194-96) added 10 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Cangrejeros. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Gigantes have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Trotamundos. Loser Cangrejeros keep the seventh position with eight games lost. Gigantes will have a break next round. Cangrejeros will play on the road against the league's leader Guaiqueries (#1) in Porlamar and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Cangrejeros: J.Rondon 19+10reb+1ast, R.Jesus 10+4reb, S.Torres 10+6reb+2ast, A.Acosta 9+3reb+2ast, E.Figueroa 7+1reb+3ast, E.Rios 4+3reb+1ast
Gigantes: G.Curvelo 20+10reb+2ast, L.Duarte 16+10reb, M.Bolivar 9+3reb+3ast, F.Lucena 8+2reb, I.Nunez 6+4reb+3ast, D.Rondon 6+5ast

Diablos - Gladiadores 75-74

Sixth-ranked Gladiadores (5-8) were very close to win a game against fourth ranked Diablos (9-3) in Caracas. Diablos managed to secure only one-point victory 75-74. However their fans expected easier game. Diablos outrebounded Gladiadores 41-30 including a 34-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. The former international forward Tulio Cobos (197-86, college: Northeastern St.) had a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international forward Jhon Romero (199-85) chipped in 21 points and 4 assists during the contest. Point guard Humberto Bompart (183-94) responded with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international point guard Carlos Cedeno (193-85, college: Frank Phillips) scored 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Diablos moved-up to third place. Gladiadores lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with eight games lost. Diablos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Cocodrilos.
Top scorers:
Gladiadores: H.Bompart 25+6reb+5ast, C.Cedeno 20+6reb+5ast, D.Ananguren 13+13reb+3ast, L.Velasquez 8+2reb, R.Melgarejo 6+1reb, K.Gonzalez 2+2reb+3ast
Diablos: T.Cobos 22+11reb+3ast, J.Romero 21+4reb+4ast, C.Anyelo 10+14reb, J.Centeno 9+3reb+5ast, I.Argenis 4+3reb+1ast, M.Sierralta 4+3reb+1ast

Broncos - Spartans 58-79

Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Caracas: Spartans (#1) and Broncos (#3). Broncos were smashed at home by 21 points 58-79 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. Spartans outrebounded Broncos 42-30 including 32 on the defensive glass. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. The best player for the winners was Nelson Palacios (192-92) who scored 14 points and 6 rebounds. International guard Yohanner Sifontes (192-95) chipped in 16 points. The former international center Luis Julio (201-80) produced 12 points and 6 rebounds and naturalized Colombian Hector Diaz (192-92) added 8 points and 4 steals respectively for the hosts. 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 three-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 11-2 record. Broncos at the other side dropped to the fourth place with four games lost. Spartans' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena .
Top scorers:
Broncos: L.Julio 12+6reb+2ast, B.Oswarl 8+3reb+1ast, H.Diaz 8+4reb+1ast, M.Mayron 7+1reb+2ast, J.Manaure 7+5reb, J.Martinez 5+1reb+1ast
Spartans: Y.Sifontes 16+3reb+2ast, N.Palacios 14+6reb+3ast, J.Vargas 11+5reb+1ast, J.Rodriguez 9+4reb+3ast, W.Graterol 8+7reb, A.Blanco 7+3ast

Condores - Guaiqueries 66-87

Very predictable result when top-ranked Guaiqueries (13-0) rolled over 9th ranked Condores (1-10) in Margarita 87-66 on Sunday. Guaiqueries shot 60.8 percent from the field. Guaiqueries outrebounded Condores 31-19 including a 25-13 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Condores' players. International forward Jose Ascanio (204-96) orchestrated the victory by scoring 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). The former international power forward Francisco Centeno (203-85) contributed with 20 points and 5 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) for the winners. Four Guaiqueries players scored in double figures. Colombian forward Miguel Fernandez (194-92) replied with 18 points and 7 rebounds and guard Kervin Perez (191-97) added 12 points in the effort for Condores. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guaiqueries have an impressive 13-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 13-0 record. Condores lost third consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with ten games lost. Guaiqueries will face Cangrejeros (#7) in Maturin in the next round where they are favorite. Condores will play on the road against Trotamundos in La Asuncion and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Condores: M.Fernandez 18+7reb+3ast, K.Perez 12+1reb+3ast, R.Millan 8+2reb+2ast, A.de la Paz 8, D.Lisandro 7+2reb+1ast, E.Rodriguez 6+4reb
Guaiqueries: F.Centeno 20+5reb+2ast, G.Correa 19+2reb+2ast, J.Ascanio 16+6reb+5ast, H.Guillent 12+8ast, E.Martinez 9+4reb+4ast, E.Montano 4+7reb+2ast

Indios - Trotamundos 91-71

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Trotamundos (9-4) against sixth ranked Indios (6-6) on Sunday night. Visiting Trotamundos were crushed by Indios in Caracas 91-71. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Trotamundos. The former international swingman Cesar Silva (190-81) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points and 4 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). The former international point guard Harold Cazorla (175-91, agency: Promo Sport ID) contributed with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Swingman Elvis Baez (191-89) replied with 21 points and 4 assists and naturalized American Donta Smith (201-83, college: SE Illinois JC) added 15 points in the effort for Trotamundos. Five Indios and four Trotamundos players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Indios moved-up to fifth place. Loser Trotamundos keep the second position with four games lost. Indios will face Supersonicos (#6) in Margarita in the next round. Trotamundos will play at home against Condores (#9) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Trotamundos: E.Baez 21+3reb+4ast, D.Smith 15+1reb+3ast, B.Yosmar 10+6reb, C.Milano 10+6reb+1ast, A.Lugo 6+1ast, M.Ruiz 4+12reb+1ast
Indios: C.Silva 19+1reb+4ast, J.Mejias 13+4reb, E.Cappare 13+3reb+3ast, J.Diaz 12+5reb+2ast, H.Cazorla 11+7reb+4ast, J.Figueroa 11+3reb+1ast

Llaneros - Bucaneros 63-60

A very close game took place in Caracas (derby !!!) between Llaneros and Bucaneros. Seventh ranked Llaneros (4-8) got a very close home victory over 5th ranked Bucaneros (5-7). Llaneros managed to escape with a 3-point win 63-60 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Bucaneros. Point guard Leonardo Cappare (185-80) notched 17 points to lead the effort and center Carlos Rodriguez (206-89) supported him with 6 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Llaneros' coach Jesus Cordovez used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Even a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds by the former international forward Eduardo Torres (194-81) did not help to save the game for Bucaneros. Point guard Emiro Hernandez (188-94) added 11 points and 4 assists for the guests. Llaneros maintains seventh position with 4-8 record. Bucaneros at the other side keep the fifth place with seven games lost. Llaneros' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Brillantes.
Top scorers:
Bucaneros: E.Torres 13+12reb+1ast, E.Hernandez 11+3reb+4ast, L.Diaz 8+3reb, I.Heredia 7+3reb+2ast, D.Bryant 6+1reb, E.Diaz 5+2reb+2ast
Llaneros: L.Cappare 17+3reb+1ast, C.Centeno 13+4reb+3ast, J.Tovar 12+3reb+2ast, J.Martinez 7+3reb+2ast, C.Rodriguez 6+9reb+5ast, G.Osorio 5+3reb

Heroes - Brillantes 68-69

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 9th ranked Heroes' (1-12) home loss to eighth ranked Brillantes (3-10) in Caracas 68-69 on Sunday. International swingman Raymond Rada (194-97) saved the victory with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 12 rebounds. Swingman Melvin Zambrano (193-95) contributed with 11 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Naturalized Colombian Jackson Zapata (198-85) replied with 19 points and 6 rebounds and naturalized Colombian point guard Nestor Moran (178-87) added 16 points in the effort for Heroes. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Brillantes maintains eighth position with 3-10 record. Heroes lost ninth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 12 games lost. Brillantes' 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:
Heroes: J.Zapata 19+6reb+1ast, N.Moran 16+3reb+3ast, S.Quiroz 11+4reb+2ast, C.Jefferson 8+12reb+2ast, K.Nino 8+9reb+4ast, C.Yocsy 4+2reb
Brillantes: R.Rada 27+12reb+1ast, D.Cedeno 14+1ast, M.Zambrano 11+9reb+6ast, N.Ojeda 7+10reb+1ast, R.Jose 3, D.Reyes 3

Trotamundos - Taurinos 68-66

Eighth-ranked Taurinos (2-10) were very close to win a game against second ranked Trotamundos (9-4) in La Asuncion on Friday. Trotamundos managed to secure only two-point victory 68-66. However their fans expected much easier game. Trotamundos made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. Trotamundos outrebounded Taurinos 43-31 including a 29-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. 24 personal fouls committed by Taurinos helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. International forward Miguel Ruiz (197-90, agency: Pro Sports) orchestrated the victory by scoring 6 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists. Gabriel Pino (195-99) contributed with 13 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Forward Jesus Rodriguez (200-93) replied with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and the former international guard Michael Flores (192-85) added 15 points in the effort for Taurinos. Four Taurinos players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Trotamundos maintains second position with 9-4 record having four points less than leader Spartans, which they share with Gigantes. Taurinos lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with ten games lost. Trotamundos is looking forward to face Condores (#9) in Margarita in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Taurinos will play on the road against Centauros in Margarita and are hoping to prove to their fans that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Taurinos: J.Rodriguez 16+10reb, M.Flores 15+4reb+2ast, L.Betancourt 12+3reb+6ast, O.Polanco 10+4reb+2ast, R.Perez 4+2reb+1ast, R.Machado 4+2reb
Trotamundos: G.Pino 13+8reb+2ast, D.Smith 11+2reb+3ast, F.Fuenmayor 9+3reb, C.Milano 7+9reb+1ast, E.Baez 7+1ast, M.Ruiz 6+13reb+9ast



Tags : MIGUEL RUIZ, TROTAMUNDOS DE CARABOBO, VENEZUELAN BASKETBALL