SPB Round 23: Broncos lose to Trotamundos

Nestor Colmenares

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Round 23 most important game was a defeat of league's leader Broncos (13-6). They were defeated by third ranked Trotamundos (13-5) 101-88 on Friday night. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Trotamundos looked well-organized offensively handing out 32 assists. It was a great evening for the former international center Nestor Colmenares (200-1987, college: Campbellsville, agency: Pro Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). Naturalized American Donta Smith (201-1983, college: SE Illinois JC) helped adding 14 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). The former international point guard Garly Sojo (196-1999, agency: Pro Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Trotamundos have a solid series of three victories in a row. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Guaros. Broncos at the other side dropped to the third place with six games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Gladiadores. Broncos will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest and make it back to the top of the standings. Trotamundos will try to continue on its current victory against tenth ranked Toros in Maracay.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Caracas. First ranked host Gladiadores (16-2) smashed 4th placed Piratas (9-4) 82-61. It was an exceptional evening for American Jordan Adams (196-1994, college: UCLA) who led the winners and scored 27 points and 7 rebounds. Gregory Vargas accounted for 17 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists. Dominican Rigoberto Mendoza (190-1992) came up with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals for Piratas in the defeat. Piratas' coach Melvyn Lopez gave up on the game allowing to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Gladiadores have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They maintain first place with 16-2 record. Piratas at the other side keep the fourth position with four games lost. Gladiadores will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Piratas will play on the road against Cangrejeros (#9) in Maturin and hope to get back on the winning track.
10th ranked Toros (2-16) were outscored at home by seventh ranked Centauros (8-9) with the biggest margin this round 97-73 on Saturday night. The best player for the winners was Quade Green who scored 29 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!). Pedro Bombino produced a double-double by scoring 28 points and 10 rebounds for the hosts. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Centauros moved-up to sixth place. Loser Toros keep the tenth position with 16 games lost. Centauros will meet Taurinos (#9) in the next round. Toros will play against the league's second-placed Trotamundos in La Asuncion and hope to secure a win.

In the last game of round 23 Spartans won against Cangrejeros on the opponent's court 86-71.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 17 points by Will Davis II of Spartans.