SPB Round 20: Gaiteros defeat Heroes in the closest game of the week

Matthew Butler

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 20 in the SPB took place in Maracaibo. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 6th ranked Heroes (8-8) to fifth ranked Gaiteros (9-7) 104-101 in the game for the fifth place. Gaiteros looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Matthew Butler (188-1995, college: UT Martin) who helped to win the game recording 36 points (!!!), 6 rebounds and 8 assists and British Robert Gilchrist (206-1990, college: FSU) who added 22 points and 11 rebounds during the contest. Gaiteros' coach Jorge Arrieta used entire bench in such tough game. Dominican point guard Richard Bautista (185-1997) responded with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. Gaiteros maintains fifth position with 9-7 record. Heroes at the other side keep the sixth place with eight games lost. Gaiteros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Heroes' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Llaneros.
Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Caracas: Gladiadores (#1) and Panteras (#5). Gladiadores (14-2) smashed visiting Panteras (9-8) by 25 points 86-61. The winners were led by international point guard Gregory Vargas (181-1986, agency: Pro Sports) who scored that evening 17 points and 9 assists and David Nickelberry supported him with 17 points. Even 13 points by American guard Avry Holmes (185-1994, college: Clemson) did not help to save the game for Panteras. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Gladiadores have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 14-2 record. Panteras lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the third place with eight games lost. Gladiadores will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Panteras will play on the road against Gigantes in Puerto Ordaz and hope to get back on the winning track.
SPB top team - Broncos (12-4) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they beat seventh ranked Centauros (6-9) in Margarita 82-65. The best player for the winners was Garly Sojo who scored 10 points and 8 rebounds. Jhonatan Araujo produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Broncos maintains first position with 12-4 record. Loser Centauros keep the seventh place with nine games lost. Broncos will meet Guaros (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Centauros will have a break next round.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 20: Taurinos were destroyed by Brillantes on the opponent's court 119-78. Heroes unfortunately lost to Guaros in a home game 77-86. Diablos recorded a loss to Gigantes on the road 76-87. Trotamundos defeated Llaneros on its own court 87-80. Panteras beat Cangrejeros in Caracas 79-78. Marinos lost to Spartans at home 79-91.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 24 points by Nelson Palacios of Spartans.