SPB Round 31: Trotamundos keep a leadership position

Mario Little

The teams have now bigger motivation at this stage of Regular Season. Every game can be crucial and decide about teams' position at the end of Regular Season. 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 9th ranked Taurinos in La Asuncion 82-71. Trotamundos looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. It was a great evening for American swingman Mario Little (198-1987, college: Kansas) who led his team to a victory scoring 16 points and 6 rebounds. International Edgar Martinez (199-1997) helped adding 14 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Trotamundos' coach Guillermo Narvarte used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side Jorge Querales responded with 30 points and 6 rebounds. Trotamundos (19-5) have an impressive series of nine victories in a row. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Taurinos lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 18 games lost. They share the position with Cangrejeros. Taurinos will play next round against strong Broncos 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.
Seventh-ranked Gigantes (8-14) gave a tough game to third ranked Guaiqueries (15-9) in Puerto Ordaz. The visitors from Porlamar managed to secure only three-point victory 87-84. However their fans expected much easier game. It was an exceptional evening for American forward Tre McLean (197-1993, college: Chattanooga) who led the winners and scored 20 points and 5 assists. Agustin Caffaro accounted for 18 points and 8 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). American-Puerto Rican forward Jonathan Ocasio (196-1992, college: New Haven) came up with 19 points for Gigantes in the defeat. Gigantes' coach Fabricio Salas rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. The victory was the third consecutive win for Guaiqueries. They maintain third place with 15-9 record having four points less than leader Gladiadores. Gigantes at the other side keep the seventh position with 14 games lost. Guaiqueries will play against Cangrejeros (#9) in Maturin in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Gigantes will play at home against the league's second-placed Cocodrilos and hope to get back on the winning track.
Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Caracas: Gladiadores (#1) and Cocodrilos (#2). Gladiadores (22-2) won against visiting Cocodrilos (16-7) 77-67. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Cocodrilos. Jordan Adams fired 24 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Luis Bethelmy produced a double-double by scoring 14 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists for lost side. The victory was the thirteenth consecutive win for Gladiadores. They maintain first place with 22-2 record. Loser Cocodrilos keep the second position with seven games lost. Gladiadores will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Cocodrilos will play against Gigantes in Puerto Ordaz and hope to secure a win.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 31: Centauros were destroyed by Brillantes on the opponent's court 92-66. Panteras unfortunately lost to Piratas in a home game 81-91. Marinos recorded a loss to Cangrejeros on the road 73-74. Diablos were defeated by Spartans on its own court 84-88. Gladiadores beat Marinos in Caracas 87-74. Llaneros won against Toros at home 92-88.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 24 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists by Pedro Bombino of Toros.