SPB Round 24: Trotamundos keep a leadership position

Donta Smith

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Trotamundos as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Trotamundos defeated 10th ranked Toros in La Asuncion 82-77. Trotamundos looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. The best player for the winners was naturalized American Donta Smith (201-1983, college: SE Illinois JC) who scored 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. American swingman Mario Little (198-1987, college: Kansas) chipped in 20 points and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Cuban center Pedro Bombino (206-2000, agency: Pro Sports) who recorded 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Trotamundos have a solid four-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Toros at the other side keep the tenth place with 17 games lost. Toros will play next round against Heroes trying to get back on the winning streak. Trotamundos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.
Important game to mention about took place in Caracas. Tenth ranked Diablos (4-12) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging second-best Cocodrilos (12-6) 67-65 on Sunday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the home team. It was a good game for Canadian guard Taevaunn Prince (191-1991, college: MSSU) who led his team to a victory with 23 points (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Edry Gonzalez contributed with 10 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Dominican Luis Montero (203-1993, college: South Plains) replied with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 11 rebounds for Cocodrilos. Diablos moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Marinos. Cocodrilos lost third consecutive game. They keep the second position with six games lost. They share it with Brillantes. Diablos will play against higher ranked Guaiqueries (#6) in Porlamar in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Cocodrilos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Spartans.
Very important is a home loss of third ranked Panteras (10-9) against sixth ranked Guaiqueries (9-8) on Sunday night. Host Panteras were defeated by Guaiqueries in a tough game in Caracas 78-85. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Panteras. Worth to mention a great performance of Gendry Correa who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 6 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Avry Holmes with 21 points. Panteras' coach Daniel Seoane rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Guaiqueries maintains sixth position with 9-8 record. Loser Panteras dropped to the fourth place with nine games lost. Guaiqueries will meet Marinos (#9) in the next round. Panteras will have a break next round.

Rest of the games of round 24 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Centauros crushed Taurinos in Margarita 106-87. Gigantes were beaten by Spartans at home 78-90. Piratas won against Cangrejeros on the opponent's court 90-84.
The best stats of 24th round was 32 points and 9 rebounds by Rigoberto Mendoza of Piratas.