SPB Round 32: Guaros are upset by Brillantes

Glen Rice Jr.

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 3 rounds. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most important game in the last round took place in Caracas between second ranked Guaros (18-6) and fourth ranked Brillantes (16-7) on Tuesday night. Guaros were defeated by Brillantes in a tough game on the road 74-80. It ended at the same time the eight-game winning streak of Guaros. They outrebounded Guaros 49-27 including a 18-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. Brillantes looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Glen Rice Jr (198-1991, college: Georgia Tech) who had a double-double by scoring 11 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. The other American import center Ricardo Glenn (203-1990, college: USC Upstate, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 21 points and 5 rebounds (perfect from the field making all eight shots !!!). Brillantes' coach Steve Walton used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American point guard Marvelle Harris (196-1993, college: Fresno St., agency: Slash Sports) produced 15 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists for the guests. Brillantes have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 16-7 record. Guaros at the other side keep the second place with six games lost. Brillantes' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Llaneros.
The game in Puerto Ordaz supposed to be also worth to mention about. Second ranked Cocodrilos (17-7) played at the court of 7th ranked Gigantes (8-15). Cocodrilos did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 91-71. The former international forward Luis Bethelmy (200-1986) orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points and 9 rebounds. Luis Montero contributed with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 11 assists for the winners. American forward Jamison Elder (196-1998, college: Shawnee St.) replied with 17 points for Gigantes. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Cocodrilos maintains second position with 17-7 record having just two points less than leader Gladiadores. Gigantes lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 15 games lost. Cocodrilos' 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 in Caracas was also quite interesting. Fourth ranked Piratas (15-7) played at the court of 6th ranked Panteras (11-13). Piratas did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 96-79 on Monday. Worth to mention a great performance of Rigoberto Mendoza who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 4 steals. Vangelis Mantzaris responded with 11 points and 6 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Piratas moved-up to third place. Panteras lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with 13 games lost. Piratas will meet at home Marinos (#8) in the next round where they are favorite. Panteras will play against Gigantes and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Rest of the games of round 32 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Centauros were defeated by Heroes in Caracas 64-53. Taurinos were smashed by Broncos at home 63-116. Marinos lost to Diablos on the opponent's court 75-77.
The best stats of 32th round was 15 points and 15 rebounds by Danny Agbelese of Marinos.