SPB Round 28: Gladiadores edge Marinos by three points

Jordan Adams

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Eighth-ranked Marinos (5-14) made lots of trouble for first ranked Gladiadores (20-2) in Caracas on Tuesday. Gladiadores managed to secure only three-point victory 86-83. However their fans expected much easier game. Gladiadores forced 20 Marinos turnovers. American Jordan Adams (196-1994, college: UCLA) fired a double-double by scoring 28 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. The former international forward Anthony Perez (206-1993, college: Ole Miss) chipped in 23 points and 6 rebounds. Dominican point guard Adris De Leon (180-1984, college: EWU) produced 29 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals for lost side. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Gladiadores have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 20-2 record. Marinos at the other side keep the eighth place with 14 games lost. Gladiadores will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Marinos will play at home against Panteras (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Caracas: Cocodrilos (#2) and Spartans (#5). Spartans were defeated at home 91-97 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Spartans. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international forward Anyelo Cisneros (200-1997) who helped to win the game recording 23 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field). Luis Bethelmy contributed with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. American forward Branden Dawson (200-1993, college: Michigan St.) replied with 20 points and 6 rebounds for Spartans. Spartans' coach Nestor Salazar rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Cocodrilos have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 15-6 record having just three points less than leader Gladiadores. Spartans at the other side keep the fifth place with nine games lost. Cocodrilos will play against Piratas (#3) in La Guaira in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Spartans' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Panteras.
Another interesting game was again a derby between two local teams from Caracas: Broncos (#3) and Llaneros (#8). Broncos (16-6) smashed visiting Llaneros (7-14) by 16 points 94-78. Worth to mention a great performance of Erik McCree who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 6 rebounds. At the losing side Lance Thomas responded with a double-double by scoring 28 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Broncos have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 16-6 record behind leader Gladiadores. Llaneros lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with 14 games lost. Broncos will meet at home league's second-placed Trotamundos in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Llaneros will play against Taurinos (#9) in La Asuncion and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Rest of the games of round 28 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Gaiteros were defeated by Centauros in Margarita 96-79. Gigantes beat Cangrejeros at home 87-85. Marinos lost to Gladiadores on the opponent's court 74-81. Guaros outscored Toros in a home game 91-67. Cangrejeros recorded a loss to Gigantes on the road 88-97. Guaiqueries were crushed by Panteras on its own court 60-83. Gaiteros were beaten by Guaros in Barquisimeto 97-80.
The best stats of 28th round was 30 points and 7 rebounds by Jermaine Love of Guaros.