SPB Round 19: Derby game ends with Cocodrilos' defeat of Panteras

Tony Mitchell

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Caracas: Cocodrilos (#2) and Panteras (#5). Panteras were crushed at home by 20 points 61-81 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. Cocodrilos outrebounded Panteras 43-27 including 30 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American-Mexican forward Tony Mitchell (203-1992, college: N.Texas) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 11 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists. Dominican Luis Montero (203-1993, college: South Plains) contributed with 19 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. The former international swingman Pedro Chourio (186-1990, agency: Pro Sports) answered with 19 points and 6 rebounds for Panteras. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Cocodrilos (11-3) have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain second place having just one point less than leader Gladiadores. Panteras lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth position with eight games lost. Cocodrilos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Panteras will play on the road against Cangrejeros (#9) in Maturin and are hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Trotamundos (10-5) against seventh ranked Centauros (6-8) on Thursday night. Visiting Trotamundos were defeated by Centauros in a tough game in Margarita 83-89. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Trotamundos. It was a great evening for American point guard Quade Green (183-1998, college: Washington) who led his team to a victory scoring 30 points, 5 assists and 4 steals. Jhonatan Araujo helped adding 18 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks. At the losing side American forward Dwayne Davis (196-1989, college: Southern Miss) responded with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Trotamundos' coach Guillermo Narvarte rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Centauros maintains seventh place with 6-8 record. Defending champion Trotamundos dropped to the fourth position with five games lost. Centauros will play against league's leader Broncos in Caracas in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Trotamundos will play at home against Llaneros and hope to get back on the winning track.
An interesting game for Brillantes (11-5) which hosted in Caracas 3rd placed Guaros (11-5). Second ranked Brillantes managed to get a 8-point victory 89-81. It was an exceptional evening for Ricardo Glenn who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 14 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Prince Ibeh came up with 16 points and 8 rebounds for Guaros in the defeat. Guaros' coach Yonaicker Ecker tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Brillantes. They maintain second place with 11-5 record having just one point less than leader Gladiadores, which they share with defeated Guaros. Brillantes will meet at home Taurinos (#9) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Guaros will play against Heroes (#6) in Caracas and hope to secure a win.

Other games in round 19 were not that significant. Cangrejeros were smashed by Gladiadores on the road 100-75. Marinos lost to Gigantes on its own court 69-79. Taurinos managed to outperform Gaiteros in La Asuncion 95-89. Marinos recorded a loss to Gigantes at home 72-76. Llaneros defeated Toros on the opponent's court 100-94.
The most impressive performance of 19th round was 32 points and 6 assists by Gaston Semiglia of Toros.