SPB Round 5: Gaiteros defeat Broncos

There were just five 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 another loss of top-ranked Broncos (4-2) in Maracaibo on Monday night. Visitors were edged by fourth ranked Gaiteros (3-2) 67-66. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Gaiteros outrebounded Broncos 57-40 including a 37-26 advantage in defensive rebounds. American guard Matthew Butler (188-1995, college: UT Martin) saved the victory by scoring 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Niremberg Escalona (191-1992) contributed with 7 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. The former international point guard Garly Sojo (196-1999, agency: Pro Sports) answered with 19 points and 8 rebounds for Broncos. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Gaiteros moved-up to second place, which they share with Trotamundos. Broncos at the other side still keep top position with two games lost. They share it with Guaros. Gaiteros is looking forward to face Llaneros (#5) in Caracas in the next round. Broncos will have a break next round.
Another interesting game for Broncos (4-2) which played in Caracas against Heroes (3-3). First ranked Broncos had an easy win 92-80. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The former international point guard Garly Sojo (196-1999, agency: Pro Sports) stepped up and scored 20 points and 9 rebounds for the winners and Jordan Williams chipped in 14 points and 5 assists. Swingman Kevin Nino (195-1991) responded with 19 points and 8 rebounds (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!). Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Broncos maintains first place with 4-2 record, which they share with Guaros. Heroes at the other side dropped to the third position with three games lost. They share it with Panteras. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Fourth-ranked Marinos (1-4) were very close to win a game against first ranked Guaiqueries (5-1) in Porlamar on Tuesday. Guaiqueries managed to secure only three-point victory 97-94. However their fans expected easier game. Tanksley Efianayi nailed 16 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) for the winning side. Yeison Colome came up with 29 points and 8 rebounds for Marinos in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Guaiqueries maintains first place with 5-1 record. Loser Marinos dropped to the third position with four games lost. They share it with 5 other teams. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 5: Trotamundos were beaten by Heroes on the road 78-71. Panteras destroyed Cangrejeros on its own court 89-64. Centauros unfortunately lost to Guaros in Barquisimeto 68-73. Llaneros recorded a loss to Taurinos at home 80-85. Cocodrilos defeated Diablos on the opponent's court 79-74. Winless Spartans were beaten by Panteras in a home game 73-74. Piratas won against Gigantes on the road 86-77. Guaros unfortunately lost to Brillantes on its own court 63-74. Marinos recorded a loss to Guaiqueries in Porlamar 72-90.
The most impressive performance of 5th round was 15 points by Francisco Centeno of Guaiqueries.

Heroes - Trotamundos 78-71

There was a small surprise when fourth ranked Heroes (3-3) beat second-ranked Trotamundos (3-2) in Caracas 78-71 on Monday. Strangely Trotamundos outrebounded Heroes 43-29 including a 17-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. British center Kavell Bigby-Williams (211-1995, college: LSU) nailed 16 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side and swingman Kevin Nino (195-1991) accounted for 19 points. Heroes' coach Ricardo Gonzalez used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. The former international center Nestor Colmenares (200-1987, college: Campbellsville, agency: Pro Sports) came up with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds and American forward ShaMarkus Kennedy (203-1998, college: McNeese St.) added 14 points and 15 rebounds respectively for Trotamundos in the defeat. Four Heroes and five Trotamundos players scored in double figures. Heroes moved-up to third place, which they share with Panteras. Defending champion Trotamundos keep the second position with two games lost. They share it with Gaiteros. Heroes' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena .
Top scorers:
Heroes: K.Nino 19+4reb+2ast, O.Johnson 16+3reb+5ast, K.Bigby-Williams 16+9reb+3ast, B.Richard 12+5ast, L.Almanza 5+4reb+1ast, S.Cleare 4+3reb
Trotamundos: N.Colmenares 16+12reb+2ast, S.Kennedy 14+15reb+1ast, D.Garcia 13+2reb+2ast, J.Zamora 11+2reb+7ast, D.Smith 10+7reb+3ast, T.Cobos 5+3reb

Gaiteros - Broncos 67-66

The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of top-ranked Broncos (4-2) in Maracaibo on Monday night. Visitors were edged by fourth ranked Gaiteros (3-2) 67-66. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Gaiteros outrebounded Broncos 57-40 including a 37-26 advantage in defensive rebounds. American guard Matthew Butler (188-1995, college: UT Martin) saved the victory by scoring 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Niremberg Escalona (191-1992) contributed with 7 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. The former international point guard Garly Sojo (196-1999, agency: Pro Sports) answered with 19 points and 8 rebounds and American Erik McCree (202-1993, college: Louisiana Tech, agency: Pensack Sports) added 17 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Broncos. Four Broncos players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Gaiteros moved-up to second place, which they share with Trotamundos. Broncos at the other side still keep top position with two games lost. They share it with Guaros. Gaiteros is looking forward to face Llaneros (#5) in Caracas in the next round. Broncos will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Gaiteros: M.Butler 21+5reb+4ast, Q.Yanitson 9+7reb, B.Sebirumbi 8+8reb+1ast, N.Escalona 7+9reb+1ast, C.Wellian 6+6reb, N.Priddy 4+5reb
Broncos: S.Garly 19+8reb, E.McCree 17+8reb+1ast, L.Duarte 10+7reb+2ast, J.Williams 10+1reb+4ast, K.Pena 4+4reb+1ast, H.Cazorla 3+3reb+1ast

Panteras - Cangrejeros 89-64

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 4th placed Cangrejeros' (1-4) road loss to third ranked Panteras (3-3) in Caracas 64-89 on Monday. Panteras dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Cangrejeros' 30. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 14 passes made by Cangrejeros' players. American Elijah Minnie (206-1994, college: EMU) nailed 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side and guard Yeferson Guerra (192-2003, agency: Pro Sports) accounted for 11 points and 5 assists. Minnie is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Panteras players scored in double figures. Swingman Morris Sierralta (190-1987) came up with 23 points and Dominican swingman Luis Feliz (190-2002) added 13 points respectively for Cangrejeros in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Panteras have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain third place with 3-3 record having just one point less than leader Brillantes, which they share with Heroes. Cangrejeros lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the third position with four games lost. They share it with 5 other teams. Panteras' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Cocodrilos.
Top scorers:
Panteras: E.Minnie 17+5reb+1ast, A.Holmes 15+1ast, M.Escobar 13+1ast, G.Yeferson 11+4reb+5ast, J.Diaz 10+1reb+2ast, W.Gomez 10+2reb+1ast
Cangrejeros: M.Sierralta 23+4reb, F.Luis 13+2reb+3ast, R.Valdez 6+2ast, A.Ellis 6+2reb+2ast, D.Mondy 5+3reb+2ast, E.Hernandez 5+2reb

Guaros - Centauros 73-68

Rather predictable result when first ranked Guaros (4-2) won against 5th ranked Centauros (2-3) in Barquisimeto 73-68 on Tuesday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Strangely Centauros outrebounded Guaros 44-26 including a 13-1 advantage in offensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Guaros made 8 blocks. American guard Rodney Green (197-1988, college: La Salle) nailed 21 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winning side and the former international swingman Jose Vargas (195-1982, agency: Pro Sports) accounted for 17 points and 6 rebounds. The former international forward Elder Gimenez (186-1991) came up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds and Spanish-Dominican power forward Jhonatan Araujo (206-1996) added 19 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for Centauros in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Guaros have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 4-2 record, which they share with Broncos. Loser Centauros keep the fifth position with three games lost. Guaros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Centauros will play against the league's leader Brillantes (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Guaros: R.Green 21+5reb+3ast, J.Vargas 17+6reb+1ast, H.Guillent 12+3reb+4ast, Y.Valera 5+1ast, M.Luis 5+1ast, P.Ibeh 4+10reb+1ast
Centauros: J.Araujo 19+7reb+4ast, E.Gimenez 17+10reb+3ast, D.Arias 6+5reb+1ast, S.Safar 6+4reb, D.Alvarez 5+1reb+4ast, H.Diaz 4+2reb

Llaneros - Taurinos 80-85

There was a minor upset when 3rd placed Llaneros (1-4) lost to fifth ranked Taurinos (1-4) in Caracas 80-85 on Tuesday. Taurinos forced 19 Llaneros turnovers. American guard Dazon Ingram (196-1997, college: UCF) nailed a double-double by scoring 26 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side and the former international guard Bryant Duran (180-1999) accounted for 16 points. Ingram is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Dominican point guard Yerri Flores (188-1996, college: High School) came up with 25 points and 7 assists and American forward Ramon Harris (201-1988, college: Kentucky) added 14 points respectively for Llaneros in the defeat. Five Taurinos and four Llaneros players scored in double figures. Llaneros' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Taurinos left bottom position moving up to third place, which they share with 5 other teams including defeated Llaneros. Taurinos will meet at home Toros (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Llaneros will play against Gaiteros and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Taurinos: D.Ingram 26+11reb+4ast, D.Bryant 16+2reb+2ast, S.Quiroz 13+2reb+1ast, J.Weatherspoon 10+8reb, P.Jean 10+3reb, G.Jhonder 7+4reb
Llaneros: Y.Flores 25+3reb+7ast, R.Harris 14+3reb+1ast, J.Martinez 12, P.Orizu 12+3reb+2ast, J.Williams 7+1reb+1ast, C.Rodriguez 4+10reb+2ast

Guaiqueries - Marinos 97-94

Fourth-ranked Marinos (1-4) were very close to win a game against first ranked Guaiqueries (5-1) in Porlamar on Tuesday. Guaiqueries managed to secure only three-point victory 97-94. However their fans expected easier game. American-Nigerian swingman Tanksley Efianayi (198-1994, college: UCF) nailed 16 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) for the winning side and the former international power forward Francisco Centeno (203-1985) accounted for 19 points and 8 rebounds. Four Guaiqueries players scored in double figures. Dominican Yeison Colome (190-1996) came up with 29 points and 8 rebounds and Chilean guard Franco Morales (179-1992) added 20 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Marinos in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Guaiqueries maintains first place with 5-1 record. Loser Marinos dropped to the third position with four games lost. They share it with 5 other teams. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Guaiqueries: F.Centeno 19+8reb+1ast, J.Satchell 17+6reb+1ast, T.McLean 16+8reb+1ast, T.Efianayi 16+5reb+7ast, G.Correa 10+1reb+3ast, J.Sojo 8+5reb+1ast
Marinos: C.Yeison 29+8reb+3ast, F.Morales 20+5reb+1ast, M.Fernandez 10+2reb+2ast, M.Simon 8+9reb+2ast, G.Acosta 7+1ast, L.Lugo 5+1reb+1ast

Diablos - Cocodrilos 74-79

Everything went according to plan when leader Cocodrilos (5-0) defeated 4th placed Diablos (1-4) in Caracas 79-74 on Tuesday. Cocodrilos made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Diablos' players. Dominican Luis Montero (203-1993, college: South Plains) nailed 16 points and 5 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots) for the winning side and forward Jovanni Diaz (203-1990) accounted for 13 points. Four Cocodrilos players scored in double figures. Dominican point guard Raimer Santana (183-1997) came up with 24 points and the former international Elian Centeno (200-2000) added 12 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Diablos in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Cocodrilos have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 5-0 record, which they share with Piratas. Loser Diablos dropped to the third position with four games lost. They share it with 5 other teams. Cocodrilos' 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:
Cocodrilos: L.Montero 16+5reb+3ast, J.Diaz 13+4reb+1ast, M.Bolivar 10+7reb+1ast, L.Bethelmy 10+2reb+3ast, C.Anyelo 9+7reb+1ast, G.Curvelo 6+1reb
Diablos: R.Santana 24+1ast, C.Elian 12+8reb+3ast, G.Edry 11+3reb, A.Pena 8+4reb, J.Rodriguez 6+1reb, A.Acosta 5+2ast

Heroes - Broncos 80-92

Another interesting game for Broncos (4-2) which played in Caracas against Heroes (3-3). First ranked Broncos had an easy win 92-80. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Broncos dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Heroes' 34. The former international point guard Garly Sojo (196-1999, agency: Pro Sports) stepped up and scored 20 points and 9 rebounds for the winners and American swingman Jordan Williams (198-1992, college: N.Texas) chipped in 14 points and 5 assists. Swingman Kevin Nino (195-1991) responded with 19 points and 8 rebounds (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!) and American guard Orlando Johnson (193-1989, college: UCSB) scored 17 points and 7 rebounds. Five Broncos and four Heroes players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Broncos maintains first place with 4-2 record, which they share with Guaros. Heroes at the other side dropped to the third position with three games lost. They share it with Panteras. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Broncos: L.Duarte 21+1reb+1ast, S.Garly 20+9reb+2ast, E.McCree 20+2reb+1ast, J.Williams 14+4reb+5ast, K.Pena 11+2reb+2ast, I.Diogu 2
Heroes: K.Nino 19+8reb+1ast, O.Johnson 17+7reb+3ast, L.Almanza 15+7reb, B.Richard 12+2reb+7ast, S.Cleare 6+1reb, K.Caraballo 5+2reb

Spartans - Panteras 73-74

There was no surprise when bottom-ranked Spartans (0-4) were edged by third ranked Panteras (3-3) in Caracas 74-73 on Wednesday. Strangely Spartans outrebounded Panteras 43-31 including 18 on the offensive glass. American guard Avry Holmes (185-1994, college: Clemson) nailed 17 points for the winning side and naturalized Dominican power forward Jhoyfer Diaz (200-1987) accounted for 13 points. American forward Will Davis II (203-1992, college: UC Irvine) came up with 19 points and 8 rebounds and the former international center Luis Carrillo (206-1993) added 10 points and 15 rebounds respectively for Spartans in the defeat. Four Spartans players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Panteras have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain third place with 3-3 record having just one point less than leader Brillantes, which they share with Heroes. Loser Spartans still closes the standings with four games lost. Panteras' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Cocodrilos.
Top scorers:
Panteras: A.Holmes 17+3reb+2ast, J.Diaz 13+1reb+1ast, G.Yeferson 8+2reb+1ast, E.Minnie 7+2reb, M.Escobar 7+3reb, A.Jhonatan 6+5reb+1ast
Spartans: W.Davis II 19+8reb+2ast, N.Palacios 11+1reb+2ast, L.Carrillo 10+15reb+2ast, D.Holland 10+5reb+2ast, N.Faust 9+4reb, H.Bompart 7+5reb+3ast

Gigantes - Piratas 77-86

The game between closely ranked teams ended with leader Piratas' (5-0) road victory over 3rd placed Gigantes (1-4) in Puerto Ordaz 86-77 on Wednesday. Piratas looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Dominican guard Juan Suero (196-1993) nailed a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 assists for the winning side and the former international center Javinger Vargas (202-1990) accounted for 12 points and 7 rebounds. Five Piratas players scored in double figures. American-Mexican forward Aaron Fuller (198-1989, college: USC, agency: Haylett Sports) came up with 28 points and 8 rebounds and American-Puerto Rican forward Jonathan Ocasio (196-1992, college: New Haven) added 14 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Gigantes in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Piratas have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Cocodrilos. Loser Gigantes keep the third place with four games lost. They share the position with 5 other teams. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Piratas: J.Suero 17+2reb+11ast, A.Morillo 12+5reb+1ast, J.Vargas 12+7reb+3ast, M.Dicent 12+1ast, Q.Davis 11+3reb+3ast, A.Forbes 8+4reb+1ast
Gigantes: A.Fuller 28+8reb, J.Ocasio 14+5reb+3ast, J.Bracho 12+2reb+4ast, O.Caraballo 6+3reb, M.Mayron 6, L.Cruz 4+5ast

Guaros - Brillantes 63-74

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when leader Guaros (4-2) lost to second ranked Brillantes (4-1) in Barquisimeto 63-74 on Wednesday. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Brillantes outrebounded Guaros 46-35 including a 36-25 advantage in defensive rebounds. The former international center Miguel Marriaga (205-1984) nailed a double-double by scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds for the winning side and American forward Glen Rice Jr (198-1991, college: Georgia Tech) accounted for 14 points and 6 rebounds. Four Brillantes players scored in double figures. Brillantes' coach Gustavo Garcia used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. The former international swingman Jose Vargas (195-1982, agency: Pro Sports) came up with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists and the former international point guard Heissler Guillent (186-1986) added 18 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Guaros in the defeat. Brillantes have a solid series of four victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader which they share with defeated Guaros. Loser Guaros still keep top place with two games lost. They share the position with Broncos. Brillantes will meet Centauros (#5) in the next round. Guaros will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Brillantes: M.Marriaga 18+13reb+1ast, G.Rice Jr. 14+6reb+2ast, J.Hollowell 11+7reb+2ast, J.Smith 10+2reb+6ast, M.Abdul-Aleem 8+3reb, J.Reese V 7+2reb
Guaros: H.Guillent 18+5reb+2ast, J.Vargas 12+8reb+7ast, C.Alan 8+5reb, Y.Valera 7+1reb, R.Green 6+6reb+4ast, M.Luis 5+1ast

Guaiqueries - Marinos 90-72

Rather predictable result when first ranked Guaiqueries (5-1) won against 4th placed Marinos (1-4) in Porlamar 90-72 on Wednesday. Guaiqueries outrebounded Marinos 42-25 including a 32-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. American-Dominican center Justin Satchell (203-1995, college: St.Leo) nailed 13 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side and Evert Bernal (195-1996) accounted for 16 points and 7 rebounds. Five Guaiqueries players scored in double figures. Dominican Yeison Colome (190-1996) came up with 18 points and Johandryt Mendoza (201-1998) added 15 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Marinos in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Guaiqueries maintains first place with 5-1 record. Loser Marinos dropped to the third position with four games lost. They share it with 5 other teams. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Guaiqueries: E.Bernal 16+7reb+3ast, F.Centeno 15+4reb+1ast, J.Satchell 13+8reb+5ast, T.Efianayi 12+6reb+4ast, T.McLean 12+7reb+1ast, J.Sojo 8+1reb+2ast
Marinos: C.Yeison 18+3reb+3ast, J.Mendoza 15+7reb+1ast, G.Acosta 9+4reb, M.Zambrano 8+1reb, M.Simon 8+2reb, F.Morales 6+7reb+4ast



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