SPB Round 16: Derby game ends with Trotamundos' defeat of Taurinos

Nestor Colmenares

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from La Asuncion: Trotamundos (#2) and Taurinos (#4). Taurinos were defeated at home 76-82 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. Trotamundos made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international center Nestor Colmenares (200-1987, college: Campbellsville, agency: Pro Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 20 points and 15 rebounds. American swingman Mario Little (198-1987, college: Kansas) contributed with 20 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. American guard Dazon Ingram (196-1997, college: UCF) replied with a double-double by scoring 32 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals for Taurinos. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Trotamundos have a solid four-game winning streak. Despite that victory Trotamundos went down to third position due to points difference. Taurinos at the other side dropped to the ninth place with ten games lost. Trotamundos are looking forward to face Toros (#10) in Maracay in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Taurinos will have a break next round.
Another interesting game was again a derby between two teams from Caracas: Broncos (#1) and Llaneros (#3). Llaneros were smashed at home by 32 points 69-101 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. Worth to mention a great performance of swingman Luis Duarte (190-1994) who helped to win the game recording 25 points and 9 rebounds and Garly Sojo who added 16 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American forward Lance Thomas (206-1999, college: USA, agency: Haylett Sports) responded with 16 points and 5 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Broncos maintains first position with 10-3 record, which they share with Guaros. Llaneros at the other side dropped to the eighth place with nine games lost. Broncos' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Brillantes.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Piratas (8-3) against fourth ranked Spartans (4-7) on Sunday night. Visiting Piratas were defeated by Spartans in a tough game in Caracas 68-73. The winners were led by Nelson Palacios who scored that evening 17 points and 6 assists. Even 18 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists by Juan Suero did not help to save the game for Piratas. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Despite that victory Spartans went down to sixth position due to points difference. Piratas lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the third place with three games lost. Spartans will again meet higher ranked Piratas (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Piratas will have a break next round.

Other games in round 16 were not that significant. Marinos were smashed by Cocodrilos on the road 86-67. Gladiadores won against Gigantes on its own court 91-79. Cangrejeros unfortunately lost to Guaiqueries in Porlamar 67-74. Guaros managed to beat Heroes at home 86-77.