SPB Round 30 of Regular Season

Tre' McLean

The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute surprises and upsets. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game in Puerto Ordaz was quite interesting. Fourth ranked Guaiqueries (13-9) played at the court of 7th ranked Gigantes (8-12). Guaiqueries defeated Gigantes 71-59 on Friday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Gigantes. It was a good game for American forward Tre McLean (197-1993, college: Chattanooga) who led his team to a victory with 20 points and 8 rebounds. The former international Gendry Correa (190-1996) contributed with 15 points for the winners. The former international forward Axiers Sucre (199-1978) replied with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds for Gigantes. Gigantes' coach Fabricio Salas rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Guaiqueries maintains fourth position with 13-9 record. Gigantes at the other side keep the seventh place with 12 games lost. Guaiqueries will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Gigantes will play again at home against Guaiqueries (#4) and are hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
Important game to mention about took place in Maturin. Tenth ranked Cangrejeros (3-18) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 9th ranked Diablos (4-17) 79-76 on Friday evening. Dominican forward Rich Polanco (203-1997, college: S.Dakota) scored 23 points and 6 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Morris Sierralta chipped in 20 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was Dominican point guard Raimer Santana (183-1997) with 27 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Cangrejeros maintains tenth position with 3-18 record. Diablos lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 17 games lost. Cangrejeros will play against higher ranked Marinos (#8) in Puerto La Cruz in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Diablos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Spartans.
The game between 9th ranked Taurinos (5-16) and second ranked Trotamundos (17-5) in La Asuncion on Friday ended with biggest points difference. Guests from La Asuncion outscored Taurinos 107-70. Tulio Cobos notched a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead the effort. Trotamundos' coach Guillermo Narvarte felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds by Jhonder Gomez did not help to save the game for Taurinos. Trotamundos have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains second position with 17-5 record behind leader Gladiadores. Taurinos lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 16 games lost. Trotamundos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Taurinos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in La Asuncion to the arena Trotamundos.

In the last two games of round 30 Toros were smashed by Broncos on the road 102-82. Brillantes won against Centauros on its own court 87-76.
The most impressive performance of 30th round was 12 points and 13 rebounds by Jhonatan Araujo of Centauros.