SPB Round 34: Guaiqueries defeat Gladiadores

Tre' McLean

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Gladiadores (22-3) in Porlamar on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by fourth ranked Guaiqueries (16-9) 77-60. It ended at the same time the 13-game winning streak of Gladiadores. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Tre McLean (197-1993, college: Chattanooga) who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 5 rebounds. American-Nigerian swingman Tanksley Efianayi (198-1994, college: UCF) contributed with 14 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. American Jordan Adams (196-1994, college: UCLA) replied with 18 points for Gladiadores. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guaiqueries have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 16-9 record. Gladiadores at the other side still keep top place with three games lost. Guaiqueries are again looking forward to face league's leader Gladiadores in Caracas in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Gladiadores will have a break next round.
Fifth-ranked Heroes (12-13) used its home court advantage to challenge second ranked Guaros (20-6) in Caracas. The visitors from Barquisimeto managed to secure only one-point victory 75-74. However their fans expected easier game. The former international point guard Heissler Guillent (186-1986) scored 33 points (!!!) to lead the charge for the winners and Prince Ibeh chipped in 7 points and 17 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side British center Kavell Bigby-Williams (211-1995, college: LSU) responded with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Heroes' coach Ivan Garcia rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Guaros keep a position of league leader. Heroes at the other side keep the fifth place with 13 games lost. Guaros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Heroes' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Heroes.
Very important is a home loss of third ranked Piratas (16-8) against sixth ranked Panteras (13-13) on Saturday night. Host Piratas were crushed by Panteras in La Guaira 85-64. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Piratas. Avry Holmes notched 20 points to lead the effort. Even 13 points and 6 rebounds by Javinger Vargas did not help to save the game for Piratas. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Panteras maintains sixth position with 13-13 record. Loser Piratas keep the third place with eight games lost. Panteras' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena .

Other games in round 34 were not that significant. Cangrejeros were beaten by Spartans on the road 77-75. Centauros destroyed Taurinos on its own court 76-54. Llaneros unfortunately lost to Gaiteros in Maracaibo 70-77. Diablos managed to beat Gigantes at home 85-83.