SPB Round 18: Guaiqueries defeat Gladiadores

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Gladiadores (8-2) in Porlamar on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by Guaiqueries (8-2) 78-71. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Gladiadores. It was a key game for the top position in the league. It was a good game for American guard Melvin Johnson (193-1993, college: VCU) who led his team to a victory with 23 points. The other American import forward Anthony Young (200-1989, college: KWC) contributed with 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Power forward Jesus Martinez (206-1986) replied with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds for Gladiadores. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guaiqueries have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with defeated Gladiadores. Guaiqueries is again looking forward to face league's leader Gladiadores in Caracas in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Gladiadores will have a break next round.
Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Caracas: Broncos (#2) and Llaneros (#4). Broncos (8-4) won against visiting Llaneros (4-10) 80-70. American Musa Abdul-Aleem (196-1988, college: Troy, agency: BIG) scored 25 points to lead the charge for the winners and Garly Sojo chipped in 13 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was American point guard Marcus Thomas (191-1995, college: Rosemont) with 21 points. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Broncos used an opportunity after Centauros lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position. Llaneros lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with ten games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
An interesting game for Gigantes (5-2) which hosted in Puerto Ordaz one of their biggest challengers Taurinos (2-8). Third ranked Gigantes managed to get a 9-point victory 83-74. Roquez Johnson notched 22 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) to lead the effort. Even 27 points and 5 rebounds by Kennedy Jones did not help to save the game for Taurinos. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Gigantes maintains third position with 5-2 record having 2 victories less than leader Centauros. Taurinos at the other side keep the fourth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Cangrejeros. Gigantes will meet at home league's second-placed Spartans in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Taurinos will have a break next round.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 18: Cocodrilos beat Marinos on the road 85-73. Guaros won against Gaiteros on its own court 80-72. Trotamundos managed to outperform Piratas in La Asuncion 74-69. Brillantes managed to beat Toros at home 86-68. Llaneros were defeated by Piratas on the opponent's court 117-111. Broncos beat Trotamundos in a home game 75-71.

Gigantes - Taurinos 83-74

An interesting game for Gigantes (5-2) which hosted in Puerto Ordaz one of their biggest challengers Taurinos (2-8). Third ranked Gigantes managed to get a 9-point victory 83-74. Gigantes looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Taurinos' players. American center Roquez Johnson (201-1992, college: MSU, agency: BIG) notched 22 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and the former international point guard Harold Cazorla (175-1991, agency: Promo Sport ID) supported him with 9 points, 5 rebounds, 13 assists and 4 steals. Even 27 points and 5 rebounds by American guard Kennedy Jones (188-1989, college: Arlington Baptist) did not help to save the game for Taurinos. His fellow American import power forward Kwame Alexander (201-1990, college: CSUSB, agency: BIG) added 16 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Gigantes maintains third position with 5-2 record having 2 victories less than leader Centauros. Taurinos at the other side keep the fourth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Cangrejeros. Gigantes will meet at home league's second-placed Spartans in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Taurinos will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Gigantes: R.Johnson 22+7reb, L.Duarte 15+10reb+1ast, J.Shaw 10+10reb+1ast, H.Cazorla 9+5reb+13ast, F.Lucena 8+2ast, J.Bracho 7+3reb+4ast
Taurinos: K.Jones 27+5reb+2ast, K.Alexander 16+10reb+4ast, A.Johnson 14+6reb, J.Mejias 9+5reb+1ast, M.Escobar 4+3reb, S.Quiroz 3+1reb+2ast

Marinos - Cocodrilos 73-85

No shocking result in a game when first ranked Cocodrilos (7-2) beat 4th ranked Marinos (2-5) in Puerto La Cruz 85-73 on Friday. Cocodrilos dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Marinos' 32. They outrebounded Marinos 48-35 including a 32-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Cocodrilos made 8 blocks. Dominican guard Gelvis Solano (185-1994, college: Merrimack) notched 25 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort and American-German forward Waverly Austin (211-1991, college: Oregon) supported him with 10 points and 8 rebounds. Even 23 points and 6 rebounds by Greek swingman Kostas Vasileiadis (200-1984) did not help to save the game for Marinos. Nigerian-American guard George Williams (198-1990, college: WBU) added 18 points and 6 rebounds. Five Cocodrilos and four Marinos players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Cocodrilos maintains first position with 7-2 record. Loser Marinos keep the fourth place with five games lost. Cocodrilos will meet Cangrejeros (#5) in the next round. Marinos will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Cocodrilos: G.Solano 25+9reb+6ast, L.Bethelmy 13+4reb+1ast, C.Anyelo 12+9reb, W.Austin 10+8reb+3ast, L.Montero 10+8reb+1ast, M.Bolivar 9+2reb+1ast
Marinos: K.Vasileiadis 23+6reb+2ast, G.Williams 18+6reb+3ast, P.Franger 14+2reb+3ast, M.Fernandez 10+3reb+1ast, R.Delph 4+4reb+1ast, J.Pierre 2+8reb

Guaros - Gaiteros 80-72

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when one of their biggest challengers Gaiteros (4-7) lost to fifth ranked Guaros (4-7) in Barquisimeto 72-80 on Friday. Guaros dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Gaiteros' 36. Cuban power forward Marlon Diaz (200-1998, agency: Pro Sports) notched 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and guard Heldrin Guillent (180-1998) supported him with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Five Guaros players scored in double figures. Even 21 points and 8 assists by American guard Elyjah Clark (190-1998, college: MSSU) did not help to save the game for Gaiteros. His fellow American import forward Brandon Johnson (203, college: DePaul) added 18 points and 9 rebounds. Guaros moved-up to second place, which they share with Gaiteros and Spartans. Gaiteros lost third consecutive game. Guaros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Gaiteros will play against Toros and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Guaros: M.Diaz 18+9reb+4ast, Y.Valera 17, H.Guillent 13+8reb+5ast, C.Alan 12+3reb+1ast, J.Vargas 12+6reb+4ast, N.Coutin 4+7reb+3ast
Gaiteros: E.Clark 21+2reb+8ast, B.Johnson 18+9reb+1ast, M.Alcides 8+7reb+2ast, Q.Yanitson 7+6reb+1ast, R.Melgarejo 6+2reb, H.Ortega 5+3reb

Piratas - Trotamundos 69-74

Rather predictable result when first ranked Trotamundos (11-1) won against 3rd ranked Piratas (6-7) in La Guaira 74-69 on Friday. International center Nestor Colmenares (200-1987, college: Campbellsville, agency: Pro Sports) notched a double-double by scoring 13 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and American forward Dwayne Davis (196-1989, college: Southern Miss) supported him with 22 points. Even a double-double of 16 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) by South Sudanese-Lebanese center Ater Majok (210-1987, college: UConn) did not help to save the game for Piratas. American-Hungarian forward Damian Hollis (203-1988, college: GWU) added 19 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Trotamundos have an impressive 11-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 11-1 record. Newly promoted Piratas keep the third place with seven games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Trotamundos: D.Davis 22+3reb+1ast, E.Baez 14+2reb+2ast, N.Colmenares 13+11reb+4ast, D.Cubillan 11+3reb+6ast, F.Marquez 6+1reb, M.Ruiz 4+8reb+2ast
Piratas: D.Hollis 19+4reb+2ast, A.Majok 16+13reb+1ast, E.Gimenez 14+2reb, A.Morillo 11+5reb+6ast, W.Warren 6+3reb+6ast, D.Ramirez 3+1reb

Broncos - Llaneros 80-70

Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Caracas: Broncos (#2) and Llaneros (#4). Broncos (8-4) won against visiting Llaneros (4-10) 80-70. They outrebounded Llaneros 39-24 including a 30-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Broncos brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. Llaneros were plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. American Musa Abdul-Aleem (196-1988, college: Troy, agency: BIG) scored 25 points to lead the charge for the winners and international point guard Garly Sojo (196-1999, agency: Pro Sports) chipped in 13 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was American point guard Marcus Thomas (191-1995, college: Rosemont) with 21 points and Argentinian guard Sebastian Mignani (185-1990) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points, 10 assists and 4 steals. Four Llaneros players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Broncos used an opportunity after Centauros lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position. Llaneros lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with ten games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Broncos: M.Abdul-Aleem 25+2reb, S.Garly 13+9reb+4ast, J.Narcis 10+5reb, Y.Palacios 9+1reb+1ast, H.Diaz 8+8reb+1ast, D.Arias 6+3reb
Llaneros: M.Thomas 21+3reb+3ast, S.Mignani 14+2reb+10ast, C.Centeno 12+4reb, A.Espinoza 10+2reb+2ast, A.Coimbra 6+4reb, P.Pinero 5+2reb

Guaiqueries - Gladiadores 78-71

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Gladiadores (8-2) in Porlamar on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by Guaiqueries (8-2) 78-71. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Gladiadores. It was a key game for the top position in the league. It was a good game for American guard Melvin Johnson (193-1993, college: VCU) who led his team to a victory with 23 points. The other American import forward Anthony Young (200-1989, college: KWC) contributed with 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Four Guaiqueries players scored in double figures. Power forward Jesus Martinez (206-1986) replied with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds and the former international forward Michael Carrera (196-1993, college: S.Carolina, agency: BIG) added 16 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Gladiadores. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guaiqueries have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with defeated Gladiadores. Guaiqueries is again looking forward to face league's leader Gladiadores in Caracas in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Gladiadores will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Guaiqueries: M.Johnson 23+1reb+1ast, G.Correa 19+1ast, A.Young 17+5reb+1ast, F.Centeno 10+9reb+3ast, J.Hagins 4+6reb, B.Jhon 3
Gladiadores: M.Carrera 16+5reb+1ast, J.Martinez 11+10reb+1ast, G.Vargas 11+6reb+3ast, A.Perez 8+2reb, N.Romano 8+3reb+2ast, J.Materan 8+2reb+3ast

Brillantes - Toros 86-68

Not a big story in a game when 5th ranked Toros (1-8) lost to third ranked Brillantes (6-6) in Caracas 68-86 on Saturday. Brillantes looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American power forward Charles Thomas (202-1986, college: Arkansas) notched 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the effort and Argentinian Lisandro Rasio (198-1990) supported him with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Five Brillantes players scored in double figures. Even 16 points and 8 rebounds by Jamaican-American forward Staphon Blair (206-1993, college: UCF, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) did not help to save the game for Toros. Point guard Edson Tovar (180-2005) added 23 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Brillantes moved-up to second place. Toros lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth position with eight games lost. Brillantes will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Toros will play against Gaiteros (#4) in Maracaibo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Brillantes: C.Thomas 18+6reb+5ast, L.Rasio 17+8reb+2ast, F.Fuenmayor 16+3reb+3ast, C.Silva 13+7reb+1ast, H.Ali 11+7reb+5ast, N.Moran 7+2reb+5ast
Toros: T.Edson 23+1ast, S.Blair 16+8reb, S.Moises 14, J.Caraballo 6+4reb+2ast, J.Vargas 3+1reb+2ast, D.Mejias 2+2reb+3ast

Piratas - Llaneros 117-111

The game between closely ranked teams ended with third ranked Piratas' (6-7) home victory over one of their biggest challengers Llaneros (4-10) in La Guaira 117-111 on Saturday. Piratas forced 21 Llaneros turnovers. Guard Alexander Morillo (180-1992) notched 28 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the effort and American point guard Willie Warren (193-1989, college: Oklahoma, agency: Interperformances) supported him with 19 points. Even 29 points 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 11 points and 15 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Piratas have a solid three-game winning streak. Newly promoted Piratas maintains third position with 6-7 record behind leader Centauros. Llaneros lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with ten games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Piratas: A.Morillo 28+5reb+7ast, W.Warren 19+3reb+3ast, T.Fields 17+2reb, D.Ramirez 17+4reb+2ast, E.Gimenez 10+12reb, D.Hollis 10+5reb+2ast
Llaneros: M.Thomas 29+2reb+2ast, A.Espinoza 14+4reb+3ast, A.Coimbra 13+3reb+1ast, S.Mignani 13+1reb+8ast, C.Centeno 12+6reb+2ast, C.Rodriguez 11+15reb

Broncos - Trotamundos 75-71

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when top-ranked Trotamundos (11-1) lost to second ranked Broncos (8-4) in Caracas 71-75 on Saturday. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Broncos outrebounded Trotamundos 47-36 including 16 on the offensive glass. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Broncos made 7 blocks. American Musa Abdul-Aleem (196-1988, college: Troy, agency: BIG) notched 27 points to lead the effort and international point guard Garly Sojo (196-1999, agency: Pro Sports) supported him with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. Even 20 points and 5 rebounds by American forward Dwayne Davis (196-1989, college: Southern Miss) did not help to save the game for Trotamundos. International center Nestor Colmenares (200-1987, college: Campbellsville, agency: Pro Sports) added 9 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 6 steals. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Broncos used an opportunity after Centauros lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position which they share with defeated Trotamundos. Defending champion Trotamundos still keep top place with one game lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Broncos: M.Abdul-Aleem 27+3reb+1ast, S.Garly 17+9reb+5ast, L.Palacios 12+4reb+6ast, R.Raymond 8+2reb+1ast, J.Narcis 5+12reb, B.Oswarl 4+3reb+2ast
Trotamundos: D.Davis 20+5reb+2ast, E.Baez 16+2reb+2ast, D.Cubillan 10+4ast, N.Colmenares 9+8reb+8ast, M.Ruiz 6+13reb+1ast, L.Lopez 5+4reb+2ast



Tags : MELVIN JOHNSON, GUAIQUERIES DE MARGARITA, VENEZUELAN BASKETBALL