SPB Round 13: Broncos lose to Trotamundos

Mario Little

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Top ranked Broncos (8-3) recorded its third loss in Caracas on Wednesday night. Hosts were defeated by second ranked Trotamundos (7-4) 97-89. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Broncos. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Trotamundos made 23-of-29 free shots (79.3 percent) during the game. They also forced 22 Broncos turnovers and had a 18-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. American swingman Mario Little (198-1987, college: Kansas) fired 22 points and 5 assists for the winners. Naturalized American Donta Smith (201-1983, college: SE Illinois JC) chipped in 19 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. American swingman Jordan Williams (198-1992, college: N.Texas) produced 29 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. Defending champion maintains second place with 7-4 record behind leader Piratas, which they share with Brillantes. Broncos at the other side still keep top position with three games lost. They share it with Guaros. Trotamundos is looking forward to face league's second-placed Brillantes in Caracas in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Broncos will play at home against Gaiteros and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Important game to mention about took place in Caracas. Fifth ranked Diablos (2-8) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 4th placed Spartans (3-7) 93-90 on Wednesday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Dominican point guard Raimer Santana (183-1997) who helped to win the game recording 20 points and 7 assists. Jose Manaure contributed with 20 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American forward Will Davis II (203-1992, college: UC Irvine) answered with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds for Spartans. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Diablos maintains fifth place with 2-8 record. Spartans at the other side keep the fourth position with seven games lost. Diablos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Panteras.
Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Caracas: Brillantes (#3) and Heroes (#2). Brillantes (7-4) won against visiting Heroes (6-5) 74-70. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Heroes. Jeremy Hollowell stepped up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. At the losing side Richard Bautista responded with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Brillantes moved-up to second place, which they share with Trotamundos. Loser Heroes keep the second position with five games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Brillantes will meet league's second-placed Trotamundos in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Heroes will have a break next round.

Other games of round 13 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Gladiadores were defeated by Cangrejeros in Maturin 95-88. Centauros were beaten by Guaros at home 65-83. Gaiteros won against Taurinos on the opponent's court 84-73. Spartans managed to outperform Marinos in a home game 90-76. Toros recorded a loss to Taurinos on the road 91-87.
The best stats of 13th round was 18 points, 18 rebounds and 5 assists by JD Weatherspoon of Taurinos.