SPB Round 35: Gladiadores are defeated by Guaiqueries

Gendry Correa

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of top-ranked Gladiadores (22-4) in Porlamar on Sunday night. Visitors were edged by fourth ranked Guaiqueries (17-9) 72-71. Guaiqueries had a 21-8 advantage in offensive rebounds. 24 personal fouls committed by Gladiadores helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for the former international Gendry Correa (190-1996) who led his team to a victory scoring 10 points and 9 rebounds. The former international power forward Francisco Centeno (203-1985) helped adding 17 points. American Jordan Adams (196-1994, college: UCLA) responded with 21 points. Gladiadores' coach James Maye rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Guaiqueries have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They moved-up to third place. Gladiadores at the other side still keep top position with four games lost.
Another exciting game was a derby match between two teams from Caracas: Heroes (#5) and Llaneros (#8). Heroes (13-13) won against visiting Llaneros (9-17) 88-83. It was an exceptional evening for Turkish Alihan Demir (206-1996, college: Minnesota) who led the winners and scored 11 points and 9 rebounds. Richard Bautista accounted for 12 points. Heroes' coach Ivan Garcia allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American forward Lance Thomas (206-1999, college: USA, agency: Haylett Sports) came up with 22 points and 8 rebounds for Llaneros in the defeat. Heroes maintains fifth place with 13-13 record, which they share with Panteras. Llaneros lost their third game in a row. They keep the eighth position with 17 games lost.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Caracas. Second ranked host Cocodrilos (19-7) smashed 3rd placed Piratas (16-9) 82-60. The best player for the winners was Luis Santos who had a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field). Javinger Vargas produced 17 points for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for Cocodrilos. They maintain second place with 19-7 record behind leader Gladiadores, which they share with Broncos. Loser Piratas dropped to the fourth position with nine games lost.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 35: Gigantes lost to Spartans on the opponent's court 76-86. Trotamundos unfortunately lost to Broncos in a home game 87-93. Taurinos recorded a loss to Toros on the road 76-84. Brillantes defeated Gaiteros on its own court 93-85. Cangrejeros were smashed by Marinos in Puerto La Cruz 85-61.