SPB Round 32: Gigantes defeat Cocodrilos

The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute surprises and upsets. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of top-ranked Cocodrilos (13-5) in Puerto Ordaz on Thursday night. Visitors were defeated by second ranked Gigantes (14-5) 99-89. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Gigantes shot 61.5 percent from the field and made 24-of-30 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. It was a great shooting night for Gigantes especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 57.9 percentage. 24 personal fouls committed by Cocodrilos helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American guard Tony Hicks (186-1994, college: Louisville, agency: GoEmpire Group) orchestrated the victory by scoring 25 points and 5 assists. The other American import Trey Gilder (206-1985, college: NSU) contributed with 20 points for the winners. Gigantes' coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Dominican Juan Guerrero (203-1993) replied with 36 points (!!!) for Cocodrilos. Gigantes have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 14-5 record having just one victory less than leader Centauros. Cocodrilos at the other side still keep top place with five games lost. They share the position with Guaiqueries. Gigantes are 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. Cocodrilos will have a break next round.
Important game to mention about took place in Caracas. First ranked Centauros (17-4) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging second-ranked Brillantes (14-8) 82-81 in the game for the first place. Worth to mention a great performance of Spanish-Dominican power forward Jhonatan Araujo (206-1996) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 14 points and 15 rebounds and Kelvin Pena who added 20 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. American power forward Charles Thomas (202-1986, college: Arkansas) responded with 21 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Centauros have an impressive ten-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 17-4 record. Brillantes at the other side keep the second place with eight games lost. They share the position with Broncos. Centauros will play against Heroes (#3) in Caracas in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Brillantes will play at home against Guaros and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very close game took place in Caracas between Llaneros and Heroes. Fourth ranked Llaneros (9-13) got a very close victory on the road over one of their biggest challengers Heroes (10-11). Llaneros managed to escape with a 3-point win 89-86 on Friday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Heroes. The winners were led by Delwan Graham who scored that evening 21 points. Llaneros' coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Even 16 points and 5 rebounds by Luis Almanza did not help to save the game for Heroes. Llaneros maintains fourth position with 9-13 record, which they share with Guaros. Loser Heroes keep the third place with 11 games lost. Llaneros' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena .

There were no big surprises in other games of round 32: Toros were smashed by Piratas on the road 98-77. Heroes destroyed Guaros on its own court 106-79. Supersonicos managed to outperform Marinos in Margarita 90-81. Gaiteros recorded a loss to Centauros at home 91-98. Toros were defeated by Broncos on the opponent's court 73-62. Guaiqueries beat Cangrejeros in a home game 89-81.
The most impressive performance of 32th round was 28 points and 5 assists by Melvin Johnson of Guaiqueries.

Gigantes - Cocodrilos 99-89

The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of top-ranked Cocodrilos (13-5) in Puerto Ordaz on Thursday night. Visitors were defeated by second ranked Gigantes (14-5) 99-89. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Gigantes shot 61.5 percent from the field and made 24-of-30 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. It was a great shooting night for Gigantes especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 57.9 percentage. 24 personal fouls committed by Cocodrilos helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American guard Tony Hicks (186-1994, college: Louisville, agency: GoEmpire Group) orchestrated the victory by scoring 25 points and 5 assists. The other American import Trey Gilder (206-1985, college: NSU) contributed with 20 points for the winners. Four Gigantes players scored in double figures. Gigantes' coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Dominican Juan Guerrero (203-1993) replied with 36 points (!!!) and Dominican Luis Montero (203-1993, college: South Plains, agency: BIG) added 17 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) in the effort for Cocodrilos. Gigantes have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 14-5 record having just one victory less than leader Centauros. Cocodrilos at the other side still keep top place with five games lost. They share the position with Guaiqueries. Gigantes are 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. Cocodrilos will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Gigantes: T.Hicks 25+2reb+5ast, T.Gilder 20+3reb+3ast, J.Bracho 16+1reb, F.Lucena 15, A.Sucre 7+4reb+3ast, A.Arias 4+2reb
Cocodrilos: J.Guerrero 36+4reb+1ast, L.Bethelmy 17+3reb, L.Montero 17+8reb+11ast, E.Hernandez 6+4reb+3ast, C.Garcia 5+3reb+2ast, A.Jordy 4+5ast

Brillantes - Centauros 81-82

Important game to mention about took place in Caracas. First ranked Centauros (17-4) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging second-ranked Brillantes (14-8) 82-81 in the game for the first place. Worth to mention a great performance of Spanish-Dominican power forward Jhonatan Araujo (206-1996) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 14 points and 15 rebounds and Dominican Kelvin Pena (193-1980, college: Southeastern) who added 20 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. Four Centauros players scored in double figures. American power forward Charles Thomas (202-1986, college: Arkansas) responded with 21 points and 8 rebounds and American-Dominican forward Antonio Pena (204-1986, college: Villanova) scored 17 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Centauros have an impressive ten-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 17-4 record. Brillantes at the other side keep the second place with eight games lost. They share the position with Broncos. Centauros will play against Heroes (#3) in Caracas in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Brillantes will play at home against Guaros and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Centauros: K.Pena 20+5reb+6ast, J.Araujo 14+15reb+3ast, M.Fernandez 13+1reb+1ast, J.Vargas 12+3reb+1ast, J.Arengo 11+2reb+2ast, D.Morrison 9+6reb+2ast
Brillantes: C.Thomas 21+8reb+3ast, A.Pena 17+8reb+3ast, K.Fuller 11+3reb+2ast, R.Yriarte 10+1reb, D.Ananguren 6+6reb+1ast, C.Cedeno 6+3reb+2ast

Piratas - Toros 98-77

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Piratas (11-10) crushed 5th ranked Toros (2-20) in La Guaira 98-77 on Thursday. Piratas looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The winners were led by Bosnian forward Milan Milosevic (204-1985, agency: Interperformances) who scored that evening 28 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and Montenegrin Nemanja Milosevic (204-1987, college: WKU, agency: 011 Sports) supported him with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Four Piratas players scored in double figures. Even 21 points and 5 rebounds by Jamaican-American forward Staphon Blair (206-1993, college: UCF, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) did not help to save the game for Toros. Forward Javier Vargas (197-1998) added 12 points and 10 rebounds for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Newly promoted Piratas maintains third position with 11-10 record having just one point less than leader Centauros. Toros lost twelfth consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 20 games lost. Piratas will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Toros will play against the league's leader Trotamundos (#1) in La Asuncion and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Piratas: M.Milosevic 28+9reb+4ast, D.Hollis 18+4reb+2ast, N.Milosevic 15+12reb+3ast, W.Warren 15+2reb+8ast, D.Ramirez 9+2reb+1ast, E.Gimenez 5+2reb
Toros: S.Blair 21+5reb, T.Edson 14+5ast, J.Vargas 12+10reb+2ast, D.Mejias 8+3reb+1ast, D.Macuare 8+5reb+6ast, B.Guidi 8+8reb+3ast

Heroes - Guaros 106-79

The game between closely ranked teams ended with one of their biggest challengers Guaros' (9-13) road loss to third ranked Heroes (10-11) in Caracas 79-106 on Thursday. Heroes looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Heroes made 7 blocks. The winners were led by swingman Kevin Nino (195-1991) who scored that evening 27 points and 5 rebounds and American point guard Keron DeShields (190-1992, college: Tennessee St., agency: BIG) supported him with 14 points and 12 assists. Five Heroes players scored in double figures. Even 8 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists by the former international swingman Jose Vargas (195-1982, agency: Pro Sports) did not help to save the game for Guaros. Puerto Rican Alexander Abreu (179-1991, college: UWG) added 18 points for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Heroes maintains third position with 10-11 record despite having the same number of points like the leader Centauros. Loser Guaros keep the fourth place with 13 games lost. They share the position with Llaneros. Heroes will meet at home league's leader Centauros in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Guaros will play against Gaiteros in Maracaibo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Heroes: K.Nino 27+5reb+1ast, M.Gilbert 18+4reb+2ast, K.DeShields 14+2reb+12ast, A.Barrios 12+4reb+2ast, L.Almanza 11+6reb+2ast, K.Caraballo 10+6reb+5ast
Guaros: A.Abreu 18+3reb+3ast, M.Diaz 16+7reb, H.Guillent 16+2reb+3ast, M.Luis 8, J.Vargas 8+10reb+7ast, Y.Valera 4+3reb+2ast

Marinos - Supersonicos 81-90

The game between closely ranked teams ended with third ranked Supersonicos' (6-10) road victory over one of their biggest challengers Marinos (4-14) in Puerto La Cruz 90-81 on Friday. The winners were led by American-Nigerian swingman Tanksley Efianayi (198-1994, college: UCF) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 29 points and 12 rebounds and Argentinian point guard Leandro Vildoza (180-1994) supported him with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Four Supersonicos players scored in double figures. Supersonicos' coach used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 29 points and 6 assists (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!) by Nigerian-American guard George A Williams II (198-1990, college: WBU) did not help to save the game for Marinos. Dominican forward Jack Michael Martinez (201-1981) added 12 points and 12 rebounds for the hosts. Supersonicos maintains third position with 6-10 record having nine points less than leader Centauros. Marinos lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with 14 games lost. Supersonicos will meet Cangrejeros (#5) in the next round. Marinos will play against Guaiqueries and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Supersonicos: T.Efianayi 29+12reb+2ast, E.Bernal 13+2reb, B.Polanco 10+2reb, L.Vildoza 10+7reb+6ast, C.Raines 10+5reb+1ast, T.Cobos 9+2reb+6ast
Marinos: G.A. Williams II 29+3reb+6ast, M.Fernandez 20+4reb+1ast, J.Michael Martinez 12+12reb+2ast, R.Delph 8+8reb, A.Acosta 8+3reb+1ast, L.Lugo 4+1reb

Gaiteros - Centauros 91-98

Not a big story in a game when 5th ranked Gaiteros (5-16) lost to first ranked Centauros (17-4) in Maracaibo 91-98 on Friday. Centauros looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The winners were led by Argentinian swingman Martin Fernandez (195-1997) who scored that evening 19 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and Dominican Kelvin Pena (193-1980, college: Southeastern) supported him with 17 points and 8 assists. Even a double-double of 24 points and 16 rebounds by British center Morakinyo Williams (210-1988, college: Citadel) did not help to save the game for Gaiteros. American point guard Malik Maitland (175-1996, college: BCU) added 13 points, 9 assists and 4 steals for the hosts. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Gaiteros' coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Centauros have an impressive ten-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 17-4 record. Gaiteros lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 16 games lost. Centauros will meet Heroes (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Gaiteros will play against Guaros and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Centauros: M.Fernandez 19+6reb+5ast, J.Arengo 17+5reb+3ast, K.Pena 17+3reb+8ast, J.Vargas 13+5reb+1ast, J.Araujo 11+12reb+2ast, D.Morrison 10+4reb
Gaiteros: M.Williams 24+16reb+1ast, P.Jamal 17+2reb+4ast, R.Melgarejo 14, M.Maitland 13+1reb+9ast, L.Parejo 11+2reb+6ast, Q.Yanitson 10+10reb

Broncos - Toros 73-62

Everything went according to plan when second ranked Broncos (14-8) defeated 5th ranked Toros (2-20) in Caracas 73-62 on Friday. Broncos made 16-of-19 free shots (84.2 percent) during the game. The winners were led by American Musa Abdul-Aleem (196-1988, college: Troy) who scored that evening 18 points and swingman Danny Arias (193-1997) supported him with 10 points and 8 rebounds. Four Broncos players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds by Jamaican-American forward Staphon Blair (206-1993, college: UCF, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) did not help to save the game for Toros. Forward Javier Vargas (197-1998) added 12 points and 5 rebounds for the guests. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Broncos maintains second position with 14-8 record having just five point less than leader Centauros, which they share with Brillantes. Toros lost twelfth consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 20 games lost. Broncos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena .
Top scorers:
Broncos: M.Abdul-Aleem 18+1ast, B.Oswarl 11+2reb+1ast, R.Raymond 10+3reb+2ast, D.Arias 10+8reb, J.Narcis 7+5reb+2ast, G.Mendes 6+1reb
Toros: S.Blair 20+12reb, J.Vargas 12+5reb+1ast, D.Mejias 7+4reb+2ast, S.Moises 6+1reb, D.Macuare 6+2reb+3ast, B.Guidi 5+3reb

Heroes - Llaneros 86-89

A very close game took place in Caracas between Llaneros and Heroes. Fourth ranked Llaneros (9-13) got a very close victory on the road over one of their biggest challengers Heroes (10-11). Llaneros managed to escape with a 3-point win 89-86 on Friday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Heroes. Llaneros made 20-of-25 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. The winners were led by American forward Delwan Graham (200-1988, college: Jacksonville) who scored that evening 21 points and the other American import point guard Marcus Thomas (191-1995, college: Rosemont) supported him with 22 points and 4 assists (was perfect 12-for-12 from the free throw line !!!). Llaneros' coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Even 16 points and 5 rebounds by naturalized Colombian Luis Almanza (196-1991) did not help to save the game for Heroes. Swingman Kevin Nino (195-1991) added 18 points for the hosts. Four Llaneros and five Heroes players scored in double figures. Llaneros maintains fourth position with 9-13 record, which they share with Guaros. Loser Heroes keep the third place with 11 games lost. Llaneros' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena .
Top scorers:
Llaneros: M.Thomas 22+2reb+4ast, D.Graham 21+4reb+3ast, A.Amundaray 13+2reb, A.Coimbra 11+3reb+2ast, S.Mignani 9+2reb+7ast, C.Rodriguez 6+7reb+1ast
Heroes: M.Gilbert 19+1reb+1ast, K.Nino 18+4reb+1ast, L.Almanza 16+5reb+2ast, K.DeShields 15+3reb+3ast, A.Barrios 10+3reb+3ast, E.Diaz 4

Guaiqueries - Cangrejeros 89-81

There was no surprise when 5th ranked Cangrejeros (4-17) lost to third ranked Guaiqueries (13-5) in Porlamar 81-89 on Thursday. Guaiqueries made 22-of-27 free shots (81.5 percent) during the game. Guaiqueries outrebounded Cangrejeros 53-31 including a 37-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by guard Melvin Johnson (193-1993, college: VCU) who scored that evening 28 points and 5 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) and forward Anthony Young (200-1989, college: KWC) supported him with 14 points and 9 rebounds. Even 13 points and 6 rebounds by Menas Stephens (198-1992, college: SW Baptist) did not help to save the game for Cangrejeros. Forward Eric Frederick (203-1989, college: TxWes) added 14 points for the guests. Four Guaiqueries and five Cangrejeros players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Guaiqueries keep a position of league leader, which they share with Cocodrilos. Loser Cangrejeros keep the fifth place with 17 games lost. Guaiqueries will meet Marinos (#4) in the next round. Cangrejeros will play against Supersonicos and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Guaiqueries: M.Johnson 28+3reb+5ast, A.Young 14+9reb+1ast, G.Correa 12+1reb+5ast, D.Sutton 11+9reb+2ast, F.Centeno 10+2reb+2ast, J.Hagins 6+14reb+1ast
Cangrejeros: E.Frederick 14+3reb+2ast, M.Stephens 13+6reb+2ast, E.Hernandez 12+2reb+2ast, G.Carlos 11+6reb+1ast, L.Bracey 10+4reb, N.Wadell 9+3reb



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