SPB Round 21: Cocodrilos lose to Spartans

The round was exceptionally exciting as three games ended with a tiny margin. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Top ranked Cocodrilos (8-3) recorded its third loss in Caracas on Wednesday night. Visitors were defeated by second ranked Spartans (7-7) 81-71. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Cocodrilos. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. They outrebounded Cocodrilos 41-23 including 26 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was American Lagerald Vick (196-1997, college: Kansas) who scored 20 points and 6 rebounds. The former international Jose Rodriguez (197-1994) chipped in 16 points and 9 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Dominican Luis Montero (203-1993, college: South Plains, agency: BIG) who recorded 24 points and 7 rebounds. Cocodrilos' coach Oscar Silva rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Spartans have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain second place with 7-7 record behind leader Centauros, which they share with Brillantes. Cocodrilos at the other side still keep top position with three games lost. They share it with Gladiadores. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Important game to mention about took place in La Asuncion. Fourth ranked Taurinos (3-8) saved a 3-point derby victory at home edging 3rd placed Supersonicos (3-6) 100-97 on Wednesday evening. It was a good game for American power forward Kwame Alexander (201-1990, college: CSUSB, agency: BIG) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 12 rebounds. Kennedy Jones contributed with 25 points for the winners. American-Nigerian swingman Tanksley Efianayi (198-1994, college: UCF) answered with 34 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds for Supersonicos. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Taurinos maintains fourth place with 3-8 record. Supersonicos at the other side keep the third position with six games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
A very close game took place in Caracas between Heroes and Gaiteros. Third ranked Heroes (6-5) got a very close home victory over 4th placed Gaiteros (5-9). Heroes managed to escape with a 3-point win 87-84 on Wednesday evening. Keron DeShields stepped up and scored 28 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. The best for the losing side was Alcides Martinez with 24 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Heroes maintains third place with 6-5 record having just two points less than leader Centauros. Loser Gaiteros dropped to the fifth position with nine games lost. Heroes will meet at home Guaros (#4) in the next round. Gaiteros will play against the league's second-placed Brillantes in Caracas and hope to secure a win.

Other games of round 21 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Guaiqueries were defeated by Cangrejeros in Maturin 93-88. Guaros beat Brillantes at home 99-87. Broncos won against Toros on the opponent's court 89-74. Gigantes managed to outperform Cangrejeros in a home game 87-84.
The best stats of 21th round was 28 points and 5 assists by Lysander Bracey of Cangrejeros.

Spartans - Cocodrilos 81-71

Top ranked Cocodrilos (8-3) recorded its third loss in Caracas on Wednesday night. Visitors were defeated by second ranked Spartans (7-7) 81-71. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Cocodrilos. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. They outrebounded Cocodrilos 41-23 including 26 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was American Lagerald Vick (196-1997, college: Kansas) who scored 20 points and 6 rebounds. The former international Jose Rodriguez (197-1994) chipped in 16 points and 9 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Dominican Luis Montero (203-1993, college: South Plains, agency: BIG) who recorded 24 points and 7 rebounds and Dominican guard Gelvis Solano (185-1994, college: Merrimack) added 13 points and 8 assists respectively. Five Spartans and four Cocodrilos players scored in double figures. Cocodrilos' coach Oscar Silva rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Spartans have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain second place with 7-7 record behind leader Centauros, which they share with Brillantes. Cocodrilos at the other side still keep top position with three games lost. They share it with Gladiadores. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Spartans: L.Vick 20+6reb+2ast, R.Galloway 17+2reb+6ast, J.Rodriguez 16+9reb+2ast, Y.Sifontes 12+9reb+5ast, W.Graterol 10+12reb+1ast, N.Palacios 6+2reb
Cocodrilos: L.Montero 24+7reb+2ast, C.Garcia 18, G.Solano 13+1reb+8ast, L.Bethelmy 10+5reb, M.Bolivar 6+2reb, J.Martinez 0+2reb+1ast

Cangrejeros - Guaiqueries 93-88

There was a minor upset in Maturin where leader Guaiqueries (10-3) were defeated by fourth ranked Cangrejeros (3-11) 93-88 on Wednesday. Cangrejeros made 27-of-34 free shots (79.4 percent) during the game, while Guaiqueries only scored eight points from the stripe. They outrebounded Guaiqueries 37-26 including 27 on the defensive glass. Argentinian forward Nicholas Wadell (201-1989) stepped up and scored 25 points for the winners and American forward Eric Frederick (203-1989, college: TxWes) chipped in 21 points and 5 rebounds. Five Cangrejeros players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American guard Melvin Johnson (193-1993, college: VCU) with 30 points and 5 rebounds and the other American import swingman Dominique Sutton (198-1986, college: NCCU) scored 11 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Cangrejeros maintains fourth place with 3-11 record. Loser Guaiqueries still keep top position with three games lost. Cangrejeros will meet league's second-placed Gladiadores in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Guaiqueries will play against Marinos and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Cangrejeros: N.Wadell 25+4reb+1ast, E.Frederick 21+5reb+2ast, L.Bracey 17+8reb+1ast, M.Stephens 10+7reb+3ast, M.Jorge 10+3reb, G.Carlos 6+3reb
Guaiqueries: M.Johnson 30+5reb, A.Young 13+1reb+5ast, D.Sutton 11+8reb+2ast, J.Sojo 7+2reb+5ast, G.Correa 7+1ast, E.Martinez 6+1ast

Taurinos - Supersonicos 100-97

Important game to mention about took place in La Asuncion. Fourth ranked Taurinos (3-8) saved a 3-point derby victory at home edging 3rd placed Supersonicos (3-6) 100-97 on Wednesday evening. It was a good game for American power forward Kwame Alexander (201-1990, college: CSUSB, agency: BIG) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 12 rebounds. His fellow American import guard Kennedy Jones (188-1989, college: Arlington Baptist) contributed with 25 points for the winners. American-Nigerian swingman Tanksley Efianayi (198-1994, college: UCF) answered with 34 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds and Dominican Bernardo Polanco (189-1994) added 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Supersonicos. Five Taurinos and four Supersonicos players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Taurinos maintains fourth place with 3-8 record. Supersonicos at the other side keep the third position with six games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Taurinos: K.Alexander 28+12reb+1ast, K.Jones 25+3reb+2ast, A.Johnson 13+5reb+1ast, M.Escobar 12+2reb, J.Mejias 10+4reb+3ast, J.Rodriguez 3+2reb
Supersonicos: T.Efianayi 34+9reb+3ast, B.Polanco 21+5reb+4ast, T.Cobos 19+1reb+1ast, L.Vildoza 14+6reb+6ast, C.Raines 6+4reb, G.Jhoyfer 3+1reb+3ast

Guaros - Brillantes 99-87

There was a small surprise in Barquisimeto where fifth ranked Guaros (5-8) defeated second-best Brillantes (7-7) 99-87 on Wednesday. Guaros looked well-organized offensively handing out 33 assists. Puerto Rican Alexander Abreu (179-1991, college: UWG) stepped up and scored 21 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners and Cuban power forward Marlon Diaz (200-1998, agency: Pro Sports) chipped in 23 points and 7 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American-Dominican forward Antonio Pena (204-1986, college: Villanova) with 17 points and 8 rebounds and American guard Hameed Ali (194-1993, college: TAMUCC) scored 10 points and 9 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guaros moved-up to fourth place. Loser Brillantes keep the second position with seven games lost. They share it with Spartans. Guaros will meet higher ranked Heroes (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Brillantes will play against Gaiteros and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Guaros: M.Diaz 23+7reb, A.Abreu 21+5reb+6ast, N.Coutin 14+9reb+6ast, Y.Valera 10+7reb+1ast, H.Guillent 10+3reb+1ast, M.Luis 8
Brillantes: A.Pena 17+8reb+2ast, D.Ananguren 12+9reb, H.Ali 10+3reb+9ast, C.Silva 10+2reb+2ast, G.Jesuangel 9+1reb, C.Cedeno 8+3reb+2ast

Toros - Broncos 74-89

Rather expected game in Maracay where 5th ranked Toros (2-10) were defeated by second ranked Broncos (10-4) 89-74 on Wednesday. Broncos outrebounded Toros 38-14 including a 25-11 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Broncos especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 57.1 percentage. International point guard Garly Sojo (196-1999, agency: Pro Sports) stepped up and scored 19 points and 7 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winners and American Musa Abdul-Aleem (196-1988, college: Troy, agency: BIG) chipped in 20 points (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). Broncos' coach Manuel Berroteran used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was point guard Edson Tovar (180-2005) with 29 points and 8 assists and Jamaican-American forward Staphon Blair (206-1993, college: UCF, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) scored 15 points and 5 rebounds. Broncos have a solid series of four victories in a row. They used an opportunity after Centauros lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position. Loser Toros keep the fifth place with ten games lost. Broncos will meet Piratas (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Toros will play against Llaneros in Caracas and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Broncos: M.Abdul-Aleem 20+2reb+3ast, S.Garly 19+7reb, H.Diaz 10+1reb+3ast, G.Mendes 8+7reb, J.Finol 8+2reb, B.Oswarl 7+2reb+1ast
Toros: T.Edson 29+1reb+8ast, S.Blair 15+5reb, J.Vargas 13+1reb+3ast, R.Perez 6, S.Moises 3+2reb+2ast, D.Macuare 3+3reb+3ast

Heroes - Gaiteros 87-84

A very close game took place in Caracas between Heroes and Gaiteros. Third ranked Heroes (6-5) got a very close home victory over 4th placed Gaiteros (5-9). Heroes managed to escape with a 3-point win 87-84 on Wednesday evening. Heroes dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Gaiteros' 38. American point guard Keron DeShields (190-1992, college: Tennessee St., agency: BIG) stepped up and scored 28 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and Bahamas center Dwight Coleby (206-1994, college: WKU, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 14 points and 15 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Alcides Martinez (198) with 24 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) and Maolin Colina (190-1990) scored 21 points and 5 steals. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Heroes maintains third place with 6-5 record having just two points less than leader Centauros. Loser Gaiteros dropped to the fifth position with nine games lost. Heroes will meet at home Guaros (#4) in the next round. Gaiteros will play against the league's second-placed Brillantes in Caracas and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Heroes: K.DeShields 28+6reb+4ast, D.Coleby 14+15reb, K.Nino 12+5reb+1ast, A.Barrios 8+1reb, K.Caraballo 8+4reb, D.Berry 7+4reb+6ast
Gaiteros: M.Alcides 24+7reb, M.Colina 21+2reb, E.Clark 11+4reb+3ast, R.Melgarejo 8+2reb, C.Gascon 7+4reb+1ast, H.Ortega 6+7reb+1ast

Gigantes - Cangrejeros 87-84

The game between closely ranked teams ended with third ranked Gigantes' (6-3) home victory over 4th placed Cangrejeros (3-11) 87-84 on Wednesday. American center Roquez Johnson (201-1992, college: MSU, agency: BIG) stepped up and scored 17 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and swingman Luis Duarte (190-1994) chipped in 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Gigantes players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American guard Lysander Bracey (193-1996, college: Hampton) with 28 points and 5 assists (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) and the other American import forward Eric Frederick (203-1989, college: TxWes) scored 25 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Gigantes maintains third place with 6-3 record having 2 victories less than leader Centauros. Loser Cangrejeros keep the fourth position with 11 games lost. Gigantes will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Cangrejeros will play against the league's second-placed Gladiadores (#2) in Caracas and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Gigantes: R.Johnson 17+7reb+1ast, H.Cazorla 15+4reb+5ast, L.Duarte 14+6reb+5ast, J.Shaw 13+3reb+1ast, J.Bracho 9+2ast, F.Lucena 5+1reb+1ast
Cangrejeros: L.Bracey 28+3reb+5ast, E.Frederick 25+5reb, M.Stephens 12+5reb+1ast, N.Wadell 7+9reb+4ast, G.Luis 6+5reb+1ast, T.Marcano 3



Tags : LAGERALD VICK, SPARTANS DE DISTRICTO CAPITAL CARACAS, VENEZUELAN BASKETBALL