SPB Round 4: Brillantes are new leaders

Round 4 means everything may happen in SPB as the season just started. The round was exceptionally exciting as three games ended with a tiny margin. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Brillantes as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Brillantes defeated their close opponent Trotamundos in Caracas 92-76. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Trotamundos. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Brillantes made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. American forward Glen Rice Jr (198-1991, college: Georgia Tech) fired 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. The former international power forward Fernando Fuenmayor (201-2000) chipped in 15 points. Brillantes' coach Gustavo Garcia used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international swingman Jhornan Zamora (196-1989) produced 20 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists for lost side. Brillantes have a solid three-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with 5 other teams including defeated Trotamundos. Trotamundos will play next round against Heroes trying to get back on the winning streak. Brillantes will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Guaros in Barquisimeto.
The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Gladiadores (3-1) in Caracas. Hosts were rolled over by Guaiqueries (3-1) 100-78. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of American-Nigerian swingman Tanksley Efianayi (198-1994, college: UCF) who helped to win the game recording 31 points and 7 rebounds. Justin Satchell contributed with 23 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. International point guard Gregory Vargas (181-1986, agency: Pro Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds for Gladiadores. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Guaiqueries have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 3-1 record, which they share with 5 other teams including defeated Gladiadores. Guaiqueries will play against Marinos (#3) in Puerto La Cruz in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Gladiadores will have a break next round.
A very close game took place in Caracas between Cocodrilos and Cangrejeros. Top-ranked Cocodrilos (4-0) got a very close home victory over 3rd ranked Cangrejeros (1-3). Cocodrilos managed to escape with a 2-point win 79-77 on Saturday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Luis Bethelmy who helped to win the game recording 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. At the losing side Akeem Ellis responded with 21 points. Cangrejeros' coach Daniel Centeno rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Cocodrilos have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-0 record, which they share with Piratas. Cangrejeros lost third consecutive game. They keep the third place with three games lost. They share the position with 5 other teams. Cocodrilos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Diablos.

Rest of the games of round 4 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Panteras defeated Diablos in Caracas 85-69. Gigantes beat Marinos at home 80-69. Llaneros lost to Guaros on the opponent's court 72-86. Gladiadores managed to outperform Guaiqueries in a home game 92-80. Winless Spartans lost to undefeated Piratas on the road 55-74. Brillantes defeated Broncos on its own court 90-88. Toros were beaten by Centauros in Margarita 56-64. Heroes lost to Gaiteros at home 83-84. Marinos managed to outperform Gigantes on the opponent's court 79-78.
The best stats of 4th round was 27 points and 12 rebounds by Aaron Fuller of Gigantes.

Brillantes - Trotamundos 92-76

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Brillantes as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Brillantes defeated their close opponent Trotamundos in Caracas 92-76. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Trotamundos. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Brillantes made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. American forward Glen Rice Jr (198-1991, college: Georgia Tech) fired 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. The former international power forward Fernando Fuenmayor (201-2000) chipped in 15 points. Brillantes' coach Gustavo Garcia used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international swingman Jhornan Zamora (196-1989) produced 20 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists and the former international center Nestor Colmenares (200-1987, college: Campbellsville, agency: Pro Sports) added 15 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Brillantes and four Trotamundos players scored in double figures. Brillantes have a solid three-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with 5 other teams including defeated Trotamundos. Trotamundos will play next round against Heroes trying to get back on the winning streak. Brillantes will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Guaros in Barquisimeto.
Top scorers:
Trotamundos: J.Zamora 20+8reb+6ast, N.Colmenares 15+8reb+2ast, D.Smith 12+4reb+3ast, T.Cobos 12+3reb, D.Garcia 6+2reb+4ast, S.Kennedy 6+2reb
Brillantes: G.Rice Jr. 20+6reb+5ast, F.Fuenmayor 15+3reb+2ast, J.Reese V 12+4reb, J.Smith 11+2reb+4ast, M.Marriaga 11+4reb+1ast, J.Hollowell 7+7reb

Cocodrilos - Cangrejeros 79-77

A very close game took place in Caracas between Cocodrilos and Cangrejeros. Top-ranked Cocodrilos (4-0) got a very close home victory over 3rd ranked Cangrejeros (1-3). Cocodrilos managed to escape with a 2-point win 79-77 on Saturday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international forward Luis Bethelmy (200-1986) who helped to win the game recording 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international point guard Edwin Mijares (186-1992) who added 14 points during the contest. At the losing side American Akeem Ellis (196-1990, college: Coppin St.) responded with 21 points and point guard Emiro Hernandez (188-1994) scored 20 points. Cangrejeros' coach Daniel Centeno rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Cocodrilos have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-0 record, which they share with Piratas. Cangrejeros lost third consecutive game. They keep the third place with three games lost. They share the position with 5 other teams. Cocodrilos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Diablos.
Top scorers:
Cangrejeros: A.Ellis 21+3reb+1ast, E.Hernandez 20+1reb+2ast, D.Mondy 12+5reb+1ast, F.Luis 9+5reb+2ast, I.Nunez 7+6reb+1ast, L.Julio 6+3reb
Cocodrilos: L.Bethelmy 16+5reb+4ast, E.Mijares 14+3reb+3ast, C.Anyelo 10+5reb+1ast, D.Brooks 9+4reb+3ast, M.Bolivar 7+3reb+1ast, G.Curvelo 6+4reb+1ast

Diablos - Panteras 69-85

There was a minor upset in Caracas where one of their biggest challengers Diablos (1-3) were defeated by fifth ranked Panteras (1-3) 85-69 on Saturday. Panteras looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by Diablos' players. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Avry Holmes (185-1994, college: Clemson) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 7 assists and Greek guard Vangelis Mantzaris (196-1990) who added 12 points and 5 assists during the contest. At the losing side forward Jose Manaure (193-1987) responded with 14 points and the former international point guard Abrouse Acosta (180-1992) scored 12 points. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Panteras left bottom position moving up to third place, which they share with 5 other teams including defeated Diablos. Panteras' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Spartans.
Top scorers:
Diablos: J.Manaure 14+4reb+3ast, A.Acosta 12+2reb+2ast, R.Santana 9+3reb+1ast, G.Edry 8+4reb, J.Rodriguez 7+2reb, B.Matos 5+3reb+1ast
Panteras: A.Holmes 18+7ast, E.Minnie 15+3reb+1ast, V.Mantzaris 12+3reb+5ast, P.Chourio 9+5reb+5ast, W.Gomez 8+7reb+2ast, J.Diaz 7+4reb

Gigantes - Marinos 80-69

No shocking result in a game in Puerto Ordaz where third ranked Gigantes (1-3) defeated 5th ranked Marinos (1-2) 80-69 on Saturday. Gigantes made 23-of-28 free shots (82.1 percent) during the game, while Marinos only scored seven points from the stripe. They outrebounded Marinos 43-23 including a 16-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of American-Mexican forward Aaron Fuller (198-1989, college: USC, agency: Haylett Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points and 17 rebounds and the former international Jose Bracho (190-1998) who added 16 points (made all of his eight free throws) during the contest. At the losing side Dominican Yeison Colome (190-1996) responded with 18 points and 4 assists and Chilean guard Franco Morales (179-1992) scored 8 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Gigantes maintains third position with 1-3 record having just three points less than leader Brillantes, which they share with 5 other teams. Marinos at the other side dropped to the third place with two games lost. Gigantes will meet at home league's second-placed Piratas in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Marinos will play against the league's leader Guaiqueries in Porlamar and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Marinos: C.Yeison 18+3reb+4ast, M.Fernandez 11+4reb+2ast, O.Polanco 10+3reb, F.Morales 8+5reb+6ast, G.Acosta 8+2ast, L.Lugo 8+3reb
Gigantes: A.Fuller 21+17reb+1ast, J.Bracho 16+4reb+2ast, J.Ocasio 13+6reb+2ast, F.Lucena 10+1reb+1ast, O.Caraballo 7+4reb+3ast, M.Mayron 6+4reb+4ast

Gladiadores - Guaiqueries 78-100

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Gladiadores (3-1) in Caracas. Hosts were rolled over by Guaiqueries (3-1) 100-78. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of American-Nigerian swingman Tanksley Efianayi (198-1994, college: UCF) who helped to win the game recording 31 points and 7 rebounds. American-Dominican center Justin Satchell (203-1995, college: St.Leo) contributed with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. International point guard Gregory Vargas (181-1986, agency: Pro Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds and American swingman David Nickelberry (201-1998, college: Buffalo) added 16 points in the effort for Gladiadores. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Guaiqueries have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 3-1 record, which they share with 5 other teams including defeated Gladiadores. Guaiqueries will play against Marinos (#3) in Puerto La Cruz in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Gladiadores will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Gladiadores: C.Garcia 16+3reb, D.Nickelberry 16+3reb+1ast, A.Perez 10+5reb, G.Vargas 10+10reb+3ast, J.Adams 7+1reb+3ast, A.Amundaray 6
Guaiqueries: T.Efianayi 31+7reb+2ast, J.Satchell 23+13reb+1ast, T.McLean 16+2reb, F.Centeno 11+7reb, D.Cubillan 8+4reb+4ast, E.Bernal 7+1reb

Guaros - Llaneros 86-72

Rather expected game in Barquisimeto where 3rd ranked Llaneros (1-3) were defeated by first ranked Guaros (3-1) 86-72 on Saturday. Guaros looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Rodney Green (197-1988, college: La Salle) who helped to win the game recording 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international point guard Heissler Guillent (186-1986) who added 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. At the losing side Dominican point guard Yerri Flores (188-1996, college: High School) responded with 24 points and American forward Lance Thomas (206-1999, college: USA, agency: Haylett Sports) scored 9 points. Llaneros' coach tested eleven players and allowed the starting five to rest. Guaros have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 3-1 record, which they share with 5 other teams. Llaneros at the other side keep the third place with three games lost. They share the position with 5 other teams. Guaros will meet at home league's leader Brillantes in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Llaneros will play against Taurinos and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Llaneros: Y.Flores 24+4reb+3ast, L.Thomas 9+4reb+1ast, R.Harris 6+6reb, C.Rodriguez 6+5reb, J.Mejias 5+1ast, G.Jose 5+4reb+3ast
Guaros: R.Green 24+8reb+4ast, H.Guillent 16+6reb+6ast, J.Vargas 11+11reb+6ast, C.Alan 9+1reb+1ast, E.Rodriguez 8+3reb, O.Marquez 7+5reb+1ast

Gladiadores - Guaiqueries 92-80

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams in Caracas where second ranked Gladiadores (3-1) beat top-ranked Guaiqueries (3-1) 92-80 on Sunday. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Gladiadores dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Guaiqueries' 30. Worth to mention a great performance of American Jordan Adams (196-1994, college: UCLA) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points and 11 rebounds and the former international forward Anthony Perez (206-1993, college: Ole Miss) who added 25 points and 6 steals during the contest. At the losing side American-Dominican center Justin Satchell (203-1995, college: St.Leo) responded with 14 points and 8 rebounds and the former international power forward Francisco Centeno (203-1985) scored 14 points and 9 rebounds. Five Gladiadores and four Guaiqueries players scored in double figures. Gladiadores keep a position of league leader, which they share with 5 other teams including defeated Guaiqueries. Gladiadores' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas .
Top scorers:
Guaiqueries: T.Efianayi 15+2reb+2ast, J.Satchell 14+8reb+2ast, F.Centeno 14+9reb+1ast, T.McLean 11+4reb+5ast, D.Cubillan 9+6reb+1ast, J.Sojo 9+3reb+1ast
Gladiadores: A.Perez 25+1reb+1ast, J.Adams 23+11reb+1ast, C.Garcia 17+6reb+1ast, G.Vargas 13+6reb+6ast, D.Nickelberry 10+5reb+2ast, H.Walker 2+4reb+3ast

Piratas - Spartans 74-55

Not a big story in a game in La Guaira where bottom-ranked Spartans (0-3) were outplayed by top-ranked Piratas (4-0) 74-55 on Sunday. Piratas had a 33-22 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of Dominican guard Juan Suero (196-1993) who helped to win the game recording 12 points and 6 rebounds and American swingman Qyidar Davis (198-1993, college: Indiana St.) who added 12 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Davis is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. At the losing side American forward Will Davis II (203-1992, college: UC Irvine) responded with 16 points and 9 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Tyrell Williams (206-1994, college: Albany St.) scored 8 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Piratas have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Cocodrilos. Spartans at the other side still closes the standings with three games lost. Piratas will meet Gigantes (#5) in the next round. Spartans' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Panteras.
Top scorers:
Spartans: W.Davis II 16+9reb+1ast, J.Faulkner 11+1reb, T.Williams 8+5reb+1ast, E.Montano 7+5reb, H.Bompart 4+1reb+1ast, D.Holland 4+6reb+3ast
Piratas: Q.Davis 12+7reb+1ast, J.Suero 12+6reb+3ast, M.Dicent 11+1reb+1ast, R.Jesus 10+1reb, J.Vargas 8+9reb+1ast, A.Forbes 6+8reb+2ast

Brillantes - Broncos 90-88

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams in Caracas where second ranked Brillantes (3-1) edged top-ranked Broncos (3-1) 90-88 on Sunday. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Brillantes outrebounded Broncos 47-30 including 34 on the defensive glass. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Glen Rice Jr (198-1991, college: Georgia Tech) who helped to win the game recording 28 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and Jeremy Hollowell (203-1994, college: Georgia St.) who added 13 points and 11 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side Erik McCree (202-1993, college: Louisiana Tech, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds and swingman Jordan Williams (198-1992, college: N.Texas) scored 21 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Brillantes have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 5 other teams including defeated Broncos. Brillantes will meet league's second-placed Guaros in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Broncos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Heroes.
Top scorers:
Broncos: J.Williams 21+4reb+1ast, E.McCree 19+11reb+2ast, L.Duarte 18+5reb+2ast, S.Garly 17+4reb, K.Pena 6+1reb, R.Raymond 4+1ast
Brillantes: G.Rice Jr. 28+7reb+5ast, J.Smith 20+3reb+1ast, J.Hollowell 13+11reb+1ast, J.Reese V 12+7reb+3ast, M.Marriaga 7+3reb, J.Medina 4+3reb+2ast

Centauros - Toros 64-56

Everything could happen in Margarita at the game between two tied teams. Both fourth ranked Centauros and one of their biggest challengers Toros had identical 1-2 record. This time Centauros used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Maracay 64-56 on Sunday night. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international forward Elder Gimenez (186-1991) who helped to win the game recording 14 points and Luis Germany (195-1995) who added 11 points during the contest. Centauros' coach Alexis Cedres let to play all 12 players and allowed the starting five to rest. At the losing side forward Ludwing Irazabal Jr (198-1998) responded with 17 points and 8 rebounds and swingman Hector Ortega (195-2000) scored 12 points and 5 rebounds. Centauros (2-2) moved-up to third place, which they share with Gaiteros and Heroes. Toros lost third consecutive game. They keep the third position with three games lost. They share it with 5 other teams. Centauros will meet league's second-placed Guaros in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Toros will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Toros: I.Jr Ludwing 17+8reb, H.Ortega 12+5reb+1ast, B.Guidi 8+5reb, B.Beiker 6+7reb+1ast, V.Jose 4+1ast, C.Gutierrez 4+4reb+1ast
Centauros: E.Gimenez 14+3reb+1ast, L.Germany 11+4reb+2ast, D.Alvarez 7+1reb+2ast, A.Tew 7+4reb, J.Araujo 6+4reb+1ast, D.Rondon 5+2reb+3ast

Heroes - Gaiteros 83-84

There was a small surprise in Caracas where fifth ranked Gaiteros (2-2) edged one of their biggest challengers Heroes (2-2) 84-83 on Sunday. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Matthew Butler (188-1995, college: UT Martin) who helped to win the game recording 19 points and 5 assists and Dutch forward Chaed Wellian (204-1992, college: Tennessee St.) who added 17 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Four Gaiteros players scored in double figures. At the losing side Dominican point guard Richard Bautista (185-1997) responded with a double-double by scoring 30 points, 8 rebounds, 11 assists and 4 steals (on 12-of-14 shooting from the field) and naturalized Colombian Luis Almanza (196-1991) scored 13 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Gaiteros moved-up to third place, which they share with Heroes and Centauros. Gaiteros will meet at home league's leader Broncos in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Heroes' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Broncos.
Top scorers:
Heroes: B.Richard 30+8reb+11ast, L.Almanza 13+4reb+1ast, K.Caraballo 10+6reb+1ast, K.Bigby-Williams 8+4reb+2ast, Z.Hearst 6+2reb+2ast, K.Nino 6+5reb+1ast
Gaiteros: M.Butler 19+3reb+5ast, C.Wellian 17+7reb+1ast, T.Lawson 16+2reb+3ast, N.Priddy 13+4reb+1ast, B.Sebirumbi 5+4reb+1ast, J.Centeno 5+5reb+1ast

Gigantes - Marinos 78-79

There was a minor upset in Puerto Ordaz where one of their biggest challengers Gigantes (1-3) were edged by fifth ranked Marinos (1-2) 79-78 on Sunday. Marinos forced 19 Gigantes turnovers and outrebounded them 46-31 including a 19-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of Dominican Yeison Colome (190-1996) who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 7 rebounds and Chilean guard Franco Morales (179-1992) who added 16 points and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side American-Mexican forward Aaron Fuller (198-1989, college: USC, agency: Haylett Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 12 rebounds and the former international Jose Bracho (190-1998) scored 14 points and 5 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Marinos left bottom position moving up to third place which they share with defeated Gigantes. Gigantes at the other side keep the third position with three games lost. They share it with 5 other teams. Marinos will meet league's leader Guaiqueries in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Gigantes will play against the league's second-placed Piratas and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Gigantes: A.Fuller 27+12reb+3ast, J.Bracho 14+2reb+5ast, F.Lucena 8+2reb+1ast, A.Sucre 8+3reb+3ast, M.Mayron 7+3reb+4ast, O.Caraballo 7+1reb+1ast
Marinos: C.Yeison 26+7reb+2ast, F.Morales 16+3reb+4ast, M.Fernandez 11+5reb, M.Simon 7+10reb+2ast, J.Mendoza 5+8reb, L.Lugo 4+1reb+1ast



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