SPB Round 29: Marinos edge Panteras by one point

Yeison Colome

The Regular Season in SPB is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 6 rounds. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 29 in the SPB took place in Puerto La Cruz. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 6th ranked Panteras (11-11) to eighth ranked Marinos (6-14) 86-85 on Thursday evening. Marinos made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. Marinos outrebounded Panteras 47-26 including a 18-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was Dominican Yeison Colome (190-1996) who had a double-double by scoring 36 points (!!!) and 10 rebounds. Dominican point guard Adris De Leon (180-1984, college: EWU) chipped in 19 points. Marinos' coach Nelson Solorzano used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. The former international swingman Pedro Chourio (186-1990, agency: Pro Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists for the guests. Marinos maintains eighth place with 6-14 record. Panteras at the other side keep the sixth position with 11 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Important game to mention about took place in Margarita. Fifth ranked Heroes (11-12) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 6th ranked Centauros (10-12) 65-62 in the game for the fifth place. British center Kavell Bigby-Williams (211-1995, college: LSU) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds. Richard Bautista contributed with 9 points and 6 assists for the winners. Spanish-Dominican power forward Jhonatan Araujo (206-1996) answered with 8 points, 12 rebounds and 5 blocks for Centauros. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Heroes maintains fifth place with 11-12 record. Centauros at the other side keep the sixth position with 12 games lost. Heroes will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Centauros will play on the road against Brillantes (#4) in Caracas and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Piratas (13-7) against fifth ranked Spartans (12-10) on Thursday night. Visiting Piratas were defeated by Spartans in Caracas 89-76. Branden Dawson stepped up with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Rigoberto Mendoza responded with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Spartans maintains fifth place with 12-10 record. Loser Piratas keep the third position with seven games lost. They share it with Brillantes. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

Other games of round 29 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Trotamundos defeated Broncos in La Asuncion 101-89. Cocodrilos beat Piratas at home 81-75. Diablos lost to Guaiqueries on the opponent's court 66-76. Guaros managed to outperform Heroes in a home game 81-71. Llaneros rolled over Taurinos on the road 96-68.
The best stats of 29th round was 14 points and 12 rebounds by Carlos Rodriguez of Llaneros.