SPB Round 6: Guaiqueries hand first loss to Gigantes

There were just 6 rounds played in Regular Season of SPB and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Gigantes (2-1) in Puerto Ordaz on Saturday night. Hosts were edged by Guaiqueries (3-1) 69-68. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Gigantes. It was a key game for the top position in the league. It was a good game for the former international power forward Francisco Centeno (203-1985) who saved his team from a defeat with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. American center Jamelle Hagins (206-1990, college: Delaware) contributed with 12 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. American Trey Gilder (206-1985, college: NSU) replied with 13 points for Gigantes. Gigantes' coach Manuel Povea tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Guaiqueries keep a position of league leader, which they share with Centauros. Gigantes at the other side keep the second place with one game lost. They share the position with Brillantes. Guaiqueries is looking forward to face league's second-placed Taurinos in La Asuncion in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Gigantes will have a break next round.
Another interesting game for Centauros (3-1) which played in La Guaira against Piratas (2-2). Second ranked Centauros crushed hosts 77-57. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Argentinian swingman Martin Fernandez (195-1997) had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Kelvin Pena chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was Argentinian Juan Manuel Rivero (191-1985) with 15 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Centauros have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Guaiqueries. Newly promoted Piratas dropped to the second place with two games lost. They share the position with Broncos. Centauros will play against Heroes (#5) in Caracas in the next round. Piratas will play on the road against the league's second-placed Broncos in Caracas and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game was also tough home defeat of 2nd ranked Broncos in a game in Caracas versus Centauros (#2) 93-89. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Dominique Morrison notched a double-double by scoring 29 points and 10 rebounds to lead the effort. Even 22 points and 9 rebounds by Garly Sojo did not help to save the game for Broncos. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Centauros have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Guaiqueries. Loser Broncos keep the second place with two games lost. They share the position with Piratas. Centauros will meet Heroes (#5) in the next round. Broncos will play against Piratas and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 6: Spartans lost to undefeated Cocodrilos on the road 63-68. Broncos won against Guaros on its own court 82-66. Marinos managed to outperform Cangrejeros in Puerto La Cruz 70-56. Piratas managed to beat Guaros at home 80-73. Trotamundos defeated Llaneros on the opponent's court 70-58.
The most impressive performance of 6th round was 23 points and 10 rebounds by Nestor Colmenares of Trotamundos.

Cocodrilos - Spartans 68-63

No shocking result in a game when top-ranked Cocodrilos (2-0) beat 3rd ranked Spartans (1-3) in Caracas 68-63 on Saturday. The former international forward Luis Bethelmy (200-1986) notched a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds to lead the effort and Dominican Luis Montero (203-1993, college: South Plains, agency: BIG) supported him with 9 points and 8 rebounds. Cocodrilos' coach Oscar Silva used entire bench in such tough game. Even 17 points by Nelson Palacios (192-1992) did not help to save the game for Spartans. International guard Yohanner Sifontes (192-1995) added 8 points and 6 assists. Cocodrilos maintains first position with 2-0 record. Loser Spartans keep the third place with three games lost. They share the position with Guaros and Llaneros. Cocodrilos will meet Supersonicos (#5) in the next round. Spartans will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Spartans: N.Palacios 17+3reb+2ast, W.Graterol 11+3reb+3ast, J.Rodriguez 9+4reb+1ast, E.Montano 8+7reb+1ast, Y.Sifontes 8+4reb+6ast, L.Lopez 4+5reb+1ast
Cocodrilos: L.Bethelmy 16+13reb+1ast, G.Solano 12+3reb+4ast, L.Montero 9+8reb+3ast, J.Diaz 7+5reb+1ast, C.Garcia 6+1reb+2ast, P.Chourio 5+1reb

Gigantes - Guaiqueries 68-69

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Gigantes (2-1) in Puerto Ordaz on Saturday night. Hosts were edged by Guaiqueries (3-1) 69-68. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Gigantes. It was a key game for the top position in the league. It was a good game for the former international power forward Francisco Centeno (203-1985) who saved his team from a defeat with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. American center Jamelle Hagins (206-1990, college: Delaware) contributed with 12 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Five Guaiqueries players scored in double figures. American Trey Gilder (206-1985, college: NSU) replied with 13 points and the former international point guard Harold Cazorla (175-1991, agency: Promo Sport ID) added 9 points and 6 assists in the effort for Gigantes. Gigantes' coach Manuel Povea tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Guaiqueries keep a position of league leader, which they share with Centauros. Gigantes at the other side keep the second place with one game lost. They share the position with Brillantes. Guaiqueries is looking forward to face league's second-placed Taurinos in La Asuncion in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Gigantes will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Gigantes: L.Duarte 13+4reb, T.Gilder 13+4reb+1ast, H.Cazorla 9+3reb+6ast, L.Valera 7+1reb+1ast, E.Rios 6+3reb+1ast, F.Lucena 6
Guaiqueries: J.Sojo 13+4reb+2ast, J.Hagins 12+7reb+1ast, M.Johnson 10+3reb+5ast, J.Ascanio 10+1reb, F.Centeno 10+12reb+4ast, E.Martinez 6+5reb

Piratas - Centauros 57-77

Another interesting game for Centauros (3-1) which played in La Guaira against Piratas (2-2). Second ranked Centauros crushed hosts 77-57. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Centauros had a 36-24 advantage in offensive rebounds. Argentinian swingman Martin Fernandez (195-1997) had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Dominican Kelvin Pena (193-1980, college: Southeastern) chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Four Centauros players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Argentinian Juan Manuel Rivero (191-1985) with 15 points and 5 rebounds and South Sudanese-Lebanese center Ater Majok (210-1987, college: UConn) produced a double-double by scoring 11 points and 12 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Centauros have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Guaiqueries. Newly promoted Piratas dropped to the second place with two games lost. They share the position with Broncos. Centauros will play against Heroes (#5) in Caracas in the next round. Piratas will play on the road against the league's second-placed Broncos in Caracas and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Piratas: J.Manuel Rivero 15+5reb+3ast, D.Hollis 12+2reb+1ast, A.Majok 11+12reb, E.Hernandez 6+3reb+2ast, A.Morillo 5+1reb+4ast, A.Lugo 2+1reb+1ast
Centauros: M.Fernandez 20+12reb+1ast, J.Vargas 14+3reb+1ast, K.Pena 14+6reb+3ast, D.Morrison 12+4reb, J.Arengo 6+4reb+4ast, C.Lopez 4+2reb

Broncos - Guaros 82-66

Everything could happen in Caracas at the game between two tied teams. Both second ranked Broncos and one of their biggest challengers Guaros had identical 1-2 record. This time Broncos used a home court advantage and defeated the opponent from Barquisimeto 82-66 on Saturday night. Broncos forced 28 Guaros turnovers and outrebounded them 36-24 including 26 on the defensive glass. Point guard Raymond Roca (192-2000) notched 17 points and 4 assists (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and Trinidad and Tobago center Jabari Narcis (206-1997, college: UT Arlington) supported him with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Four Broncos players scored in double figures. Even 28 points and 8 rebounds by the former international swingman Jose Vargas (195-1982, agency: Pro Sports) did not help to save the game for Guaros. Guard Alan Cabrera (188-2001) added 10 points and 5 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Broncos maintains second position with 2-2 record having just two point less than leader Centauros, which they share with Piratas. Guaros lost third consecutive game. They keep the third place with three games lost. They share the position with Spartans and Llaneros. Broncos will meet at home Piratas (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Guaros will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Guaros: J.Vargas 28+8reb+1ast, C.Alan 10+5ast, K.Perez 10+4reb, E.Alcala 4+2reb+1ast, O.Marquez 3+3reb+4ast, N.Brandon 3
Broncos: R.Raymond 17+3reb+4ast, S.Garly 16+5reb, D.Arias 12+4reb+1ast, J.Narcis 11+11reb, G.Mendes 9+3reb+1ast, H.Diaz 6+3ast

Cangrejeros - Marinos 56-70

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fourth ranked Marinos' (1-2) road victory over bottom-ranked Cangrejeros (0-4) in Maturin 70-56 on Sunday. Marinos outrebounded Cangrejeros 46-32 including a 33-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. The former international point guard Carlos Cedeno (193-1985, college: Frank Phillips) notched 12 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort and Greek swingman Kostas Vasileiadis (200-1984) supported him with 15 points and 5 rebounds. Four Marinos players scored in double figures. Even 20 points and 8 rebounds by American forward Eric Frederick (203-1989, college: TxWes) did not help to save the game for Cangrejeros. His fellow American import guard Lysander Bracey (193-1996, college: Hampton) added 8 points. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Marinos maintains fourth position with 1-2 record. It was Cangrejeros' fourth loss in a row. They still close the standings with four games lost. Marinos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Cangrejeros will play again against Marinos (#4) in Puerto La Cruz and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Cangrejeros: E.Frederick 20+8reb, L.Bracey 8+1reb+2ast, G.Carlos 7+3reb, I.Jr Ludwing 5+4reb, C.Jhonkerleander 5+1reb+1ast, C.Gascon 4+1ast
Marinos: G.Williams 16+4reb, K.Vasileiadis 15+5reb+3ast, C.Cedeno 12+5reb+6ast, M.Fernandez 11+8reb, R.Delph 8+8reb, L.Diaz 5+7reb+1ast

Broncos - Centauros 89-93

An interesting game was also tough home defeat of 2nd ranked Broncos in a game in Caracas versus Centauros (#2) 93-89. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Centauros shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 58.3 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American Dominique Morrison (198-1989, college: ORU, agency: Haylett Sports) notched a double-double by scoring 29 points and 10 rebounds to lead the effort and Argentinian guard Juan Arengo (185-1996) supported him with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Even 22 points and 9 rebounds by international point guard Garly Sojo (196-1999, agency: Pro Sports) did not help to save the game for Broncos. Point guard Yochuar Palacios (183-1985) added 19 points and 5 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Centauros have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Guaiqueries. Loser Broncos keep the second place with two games lost. They share the position with Piratas. Centauros will meet Heroes (#5) in the next round. Broncos will play against Piratas and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Broncos: S.Garly 22+9reb+3ast, Y.Palacios 19+3reb+5ast, H.Diaz 13+7reb+1ast, R.Raymond 11+4reb+1ast, D.Arias 8+3reb+3ast, L.Palacios 6+4reb+3ast
Centauros: D.Morrison 29+10reb+2ast, K.Pena 21+2reb+3ast, J.Arengo 17+6reb+6ast, J.Vargas 10+2reb+2ast, M.Fernandez 6+3reb+4ast, M.Cameron 4+4reb+2ast

Piratas - Guaros 80-73

Everything could happen in La Guaira at the game between two tied teams. Both fourth ranked Piratas and one of their biggest challengers Guaros had identical 1-2 record. This time Piratas used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Barquisimeto 80-73 on Sunday night. Piratas outrebounded Guaros 40-25 including a 31-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. South Sudanese-Lebanese center Ater Majok (210-1987, college: UConn) notched a double-double by scoring 17 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks to lead the effort and American-Hungarian forward Damian Hollis (203-1988, college: GWU) supported him with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Piratas players scored in double figures. Even 9 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists by guard Alan Cabrera (188-2001) did not help to save the game for Guaros. The former international swingman Jose Vargas (195-1982, agency: Pro Sports) added 16 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Piratas (2-2) moved-up to second place, which they share with Broncos. Guaros lost third consecutive game. They keep the third position with three games lost. They share it with Spartans and Llaneros. Piratas will meet league's second-placed Broncos in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Guaros will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Guaros: J.Vargas 16+2reb, E.Alcala 15+1reb+1ast, V.Efrain 10+3reb+1ast, C.Alan 9+6reb+4ast, O.Marquez 8+2reb+1ast, Y.Valera 7+3reb+1ast
Piratas: D.Hollis 22+7reb+5ast, T.Fields 21+7reb+5ast, A.Majok 17+13reb+5ast, J.Manuel Rivero 13+6reb+1ast, A.Morillo 7+3reb+8ast, B.Gregori 0

Llaneros - Trotamundos 58-70

Everything went according to plan when top-ranked Trotamundos (3-0) defeated 4th ranked Llaneros (1-3) in Caracas 70-58 on Sunday. International center Nestor Colmenares (200-1987, college: Campbellsville, agency: Pro Sports) notched a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead the effort and the former international point guard David Cubillan (181-1987, college: Marquette) supported him with 13 points. Even 21 points and 6 assists by American point guard Marcus Thomas (191-1995, college: Rosemont) did not help to save the game for Llaneros. Center Carlos Rodriguez (206-1989) added 7 points and 10 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Trotamundos have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 3-0 record. Loser Llaneros dropped to the third place with three games lost. They share the position with Guaros and Spartans. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Llaneros: M.Thomas 21+4reb+6ast, A.Amundaray 10+7reb, J.Martinez 10+3reb, C.Rodriguez 7+10reb+1ast, C.Centeno 6+4reb+2ast, G.Jose 2
Trotamundos: N.Colmenares 23+10reb+2ast, D.Cubillan 13+2reb+3ast, E.Baez 9+2reb+2ast, J.Zamora 7+3reb+4ast, D.Davis 7+3reb+1ast, M.Marriaga 4+1reb



Tags : FRANCISCO CENTENO, GUAIQUERIES DE MARGARITA, VENEZUELAN BASKETBALL