SPB Round 4 (Regular Season): Piratas lose to Marinos

After 4 rounds played we can already see who rules in the SPB and who belongs to weaker ones. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Piratas (2-1) in La Guaira on Monday night. Hosts were edged by Marinos (3-0) 62-59. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Piratas. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Landers Nolley II (201-2000, college: Cincinnati) who helped to win the game recording 13 points and 9 rebounds and Panamanian-Mexican center Joshua Ibarra (211-1995, college: HCU) who added 13 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American forward Michael Watkins (206-1995, college: Penn State) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 17 rebounds and 4 blocks. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Marinos have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 3-0 record, which they share with Gladiadores. Piratas at the other side dropped to the third place with one game lost. They share the position with Trotamundos. Marinos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Piratas will play on the road against Panteras in Caracas and are hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Very significant was Broncos' (#8) 76-71 road victory against bottom-ranked Brillantes. The winners were led by American guard Rashad James (185-1990, college: Iona) who scored that evening 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and Luis Duarte supported him with 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 23 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals by Dominican point guard Richard Bautista (185-1997, agency: BMS Sport Agency) did not help to save the game for Brillantes. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Broncos (1-1) left bottom position moving up to fourth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Brillantes at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with Centauros. Broncos will play against higher ranked Trotamundos (#3) in La Asuncion in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Brillantes will play at home against Toros (#7) and hope to get finally their first victory.
A very close game took place in Caracas (derby !!!) between Trotamundos and Pioneros. Fifth ranked Trotamundos (2-1) got a very close victory on the road over much higher ranked Pioneros (2-2). Trotamundos managed to escape with a 2-point win 73-71 in the fight for the third place. Tyree Crump fired 17 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Tim Bond produced a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds for lost side. Pioneros' coach Nelson Solorzano rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Trotamundos moved-up to third place, which they share with Piratas. Loser Pioneros dropped to the fourth position with two games lost. Trotamundos will meet at home Broncos (#5) in the next round. Pioneros will have a break next round.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 4: Toros lost to Pioneros on the opponent's court 74-78. Winless Diablos unfortunately lost to Guaiqueries in a home game 65-71. Winless Centauros lost to undefeated Heroes on the road 63-66. Winless Frontinos lost to undefeated Llaneros on its own court 72-89. Spartans lost to undefeated Gladiadores in Caracas 77-81. Panteras lost to Cocodrilos at home 68-79.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 18 points and 6 rebounds by Luis Montero of Cocodrilos.



Pioneros - Toros 78-74

Rather expected game in Caracas where 5th ranked Toros (1-2) were defeated by second ranked Pioneros (2-2) 78-74 on Monday. Pioneros outrebounded Toros 48-35 including a 19-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Pioneros made 9 blocks. International Elian Centeno (200-2000) fired a double-double by scoring 21 points, 12 rebounds and 5 blocks for the winners. American Tim Bond (201-1995, college: EMU, agency: BMS Sport Agency) chipped in 19 points and 6 rebounds. Bond is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American guard Addison Spruill (195-1993, college: UNCW) produced 18 points and 9 rebounds and the former international swingman Jose Vargas (195-1982, agency: Pro Sports) added 12 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Toros players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Despite that victory Pioneros went down to fourth position due to points difference. Loser Toros dropped to the seventh place with two games lost. They share the position with Cocodrilos. Pioneros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Toros will play against Brillantes (#8) in Caracas and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Toros: A.Spruill 18+9reb+3ast, E.Tillman 14+3reb+2ast, A.Blanco 13+2reb+6ast, J.Vargas 12+8reb+3ast, J.Glover 10+5reb, B.Beiker 4+4reb
Pioneros: C.Elian 21+12reb+2ast, T.Bond 19+6reb+2ast, L.Ross 13+7reb+3ast, F.Pichardo 7+7reb, B.Wesley 6+4reb+4ast, L.Steven 6+4reb+2ast

Diablos - Guaiqueries 65-71

Rather predictable result in Caracas where seventh ranked Guaiqueries (1-1) defeated bottom-ranked Diablos (0-3) 71-65 on Monday. American forward Alphonso Anderson (198, college: Pacific) fired 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. The former international forward Tulio Cobos (197-1986, college: Northeastern St.) chipped in 17 points and 9 rebounds. American-Argentinian guard Romeao Ferguson (196-1997, college: Lipscomb) produced 20 points and 4 assists and U.S. Virgin Islands forward Romani Hansen (203-1997, college: Albany) added 10 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side. Diablos' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Guaiqueries left bottom position moving up to fourth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Diablos still closes the standings with three games lost. They share the position with Frontinos. Guaiqueries will meet at home Gaiteros (#4) in the next round. Diablos will play against Centauros (#8) in Margarita and look forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Diablos: R.Ferguson 20+4reb+4ast, I.Argenis 11+2reb, R.Hansen 10+8reb+2ast, C.Curry 7+4reb+1ast, G.Edry 6+5reb+1ast, J.Mejias 5+1reb
Guaiqueries: A.Anderson 22+7reb+5ast, T.Cobos 17+9reb+1ast, G.McGhee 10+7reb+1ast, G.Correa 9+3reb+2ast, F.Corvalan 8+5reb+2ast, J.Martinez 3+4reb+2ast

Piratas - Marinos 59-62

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Piratas (2-1) in La Guaira on Monday night. Hosts were edged by Marinos (3-0) 62-59. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Piratas. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Landers Nolley II (201-2000, college: Cincinnati) who helped to win the game recording 13 points and 9 rebounds and Panamanian-Mexican center Joshua Ibarra (211-1995, college: HCU) who added 13 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American forward Michael Watkins (206-1995, college: Penn State) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 17 rebounds and 4 blocks and Dominican guard Juan Suero (196-1993, agency: BMS Sport Agency) scored 18 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Marinos have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 3-0 record, which they share with Gladiadores. Piratas at the other side dropped to the third place with one game lost. They share the position with Trotamundos. Marinos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Piratas will play on the road against Panteras in Caracas and are hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Piratas: M.Watkins 19+17reb, J.Suero 18+9reb+2ast, J.Johnson-Coston 8+1reb+1ast, D.Hollis 4+5reb, A.Amundaray 4+1reb+1ast, D.Ramirez 2+3reb
Marinos: L.Nolley II 13+9reb+2ast, J.Ibarra 13+8reb, O.Caraballo 10+4reb+1ast, T.Palmer 8+2reb, J.Glynn 7+7reb+1ast, M.Sierralta 6+3reb+1ast

Heroes - Centauros 66-63

Not a big story in a game in Caracas where bottom-ranked Centauros (0-2) were edged by top-ranked Heroes (2-0) 66-63 on Monday. However just three-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Heroes outrebounded Centauros 42-29 including 31 on the defensive glass. Naturalized Colombian Luis Almanza (196-1991) fired a double-double by scoring 25 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. American forward Montell McRae (208-1996, college: Buffalo) chipped in 8 points and 7 rebounds. American center Kevin Allen (211-1994, college: Emporia St.) produced 20 points and 9 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Jamir Coleman (201-1997, college: CCSU, agency: Haylett Sports) added 12 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Heroes moved-up to second place, which they share with Llaneros. Loser Centauros still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with Brillantes. Heroes will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Centauros will play against Diablos (#9) and look forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Centauros: K.Allen 20+9reb+1ast, J.Coleman 12+6reb, J.Cunningham 10+4reb, J.Bracho 7+2reb+2ast, M.Zambrano 5+1reb, E.Gimenez 4+2reb+1ast
Heroes: L.Almanza 25+14reb+2ast, E.Cappare 10+1reb, M.McRae 8+7reb, G.Curvelo 8+3reb, G.Jose 6+1ast, A.Nation 5+2reb+1ast

Brillantes - Broncos 71-76

Very significant was Broncos' (#8) 76-71 road victory against bottom-ranked Brillantes. Brillantes were plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. The winners were led by American guard Rashad James (185-1990, college: Iona) who scored that evening 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and swingman Luis Duarte (190-1994) supported him with 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 23 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals by Dominican point guard Richard Bautista (185-1997, agency: BMS Sport Agency) did not help to save the game for Brillantes. American guard James Reese V (193-1998, college: S.Carolina) added 11 points and 8 assists for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Broncos (1-1) left bottom position moving up to fourth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Brillantes at the other side still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with Centauros. Broncos will play against higher ranked Trotamundos (#3) in La Asuncion in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Brillantes will play at home against Toros (#7) and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Brillantes: B.Richard 23+7reb+4ast, J.Reese V 11+3reb+8ast, M.Brahian 8+6reb+2ast, D.Bryant 8+3reb+4ast, Z.Owens 7+3reb+1ast, T.Dean 4
Broncos: R.James 21+5reb+4ast, L.Duarte 14+8reb+4ast, R.Raymond 13+6reb+1ast, A.Sucre 8+8reb+2ast, D.Arias 7+3reb+1ast, R.Michael 6+3reb+3ast

Frontinos - Llaneros 72-89

Everything went according to plan in Tachira where top-ranked Llaneros (2-0) beat bottom-ranked Frontinos (0-3) 89-72 on Tuesday. Llaneros shot 28 for 41 from the free-throw line, while Frontinos only scored eleven points from the stripe. Llaneros forced 20 Frontinos turnovers and outrebounded them 43-29 including a 32-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. French center Ludgy Debaut (213, college: ECU, agency: Helping Ballers) fired a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. American forward Dion Wright (201-1993, college: St.Bonaventure) chipped in 18 points and 8 rebounds. Five Llaneros players scored in double figures. American-Puerto Rican Wil Martinez (188-1992, college: Fairmont St.) produced 13 points and 4 assists and the former international swingman Cesar Silva (190-1981) added 14 points and 5 steals respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Llaneros moved-up to second place, which they share with Heroes. Loser Frontinos still closes the standings with three games lost. They share the position with Diablos. Llaneros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Frontinos will play against the league's leader Gladiadores (#1) and look forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Frontinos: C.Silva 14+2reb+2ast, W.Martinez 13+3reb+4ast, C.Alan 10+1reb+1ast, V.Efrain 8+3reb, J.Figueroa 6+6reb, A.Acosta 5+2reb+2ast
Llaneros: D.Wright 18+8reb+2ast, L.Debaut 17+11reb+2ast, K.Higgins 14+10reb+2ast, D.Carlisle 14+5reb+3ast, C.Centeno 12+3reb+2ast, L.Yustin 6+1reb+1ast

Gladiadores - Spartans 81-77

There was no surprise in Caracas where 5th ranked Spartans (1-1) were defeated by top-ranked Gladiadores (3-0) 81-77 on Tuesday. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Gladiadores outrebounded Spartans 41-25 including 16 on the offensive glass. The former international forward Michael Carrera (196-1993, college: S.Carolina, agency: BIG) fired 25 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. British center Legend Robertin (216-1994, college: Nicholls St.) chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots). American forward Will Davis II (203-1992, college: UC Irvine) produced 16 points and the former international center Luis Carrillo (206-1993) added 11 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Gladiadores have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 3-0 record, which they share with Marinos. Loser Spartans dropped to the fourth place with one game lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Gladiadores will meet Frontinos (#9) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Spartans will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Spartans: W.Davis II 16+4reb, D.Brooks 14+1ast, L.Carrillo 11+9reb, Y.Sifontes 10+2reb+4ast, F.Luismal 7+2reb, N.Palacios 6+1reb+1ast
Gladiadores: M.Carrera 25+8reb+1ast, L.Robertin 13+7reb, C.Garcia 12+8reb, G.Vargas 11+4reb+4ast, P.Jackson 7+2ast, S.Hogan 4+3reb

Pioneros - Trotamundos 71-73

A very close game took place in Caracas (derby !!!) between Trotamundos and Pioneros. Fifth ranked Trotamundos (2-1) got a very close victory on the road over much higher ranked Pioneros (2-2). Trotamundos managed to escape with a 2-point win 73-71 in the fight for the third place. American guard Tyree Crump (185-1997, college: Georgia, agency: BIG) fired 17 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American-Portuguese Jeremiah Wilson (205-1988, college: Tarleton St., agency: BIG) chipped in 14 points and 8 rebounds. American Tim Bond (201-1995, college: EMU, agency: BMS Sport Agency) produced a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Byron Wesley (196-1992, college: Gonzaga) added 17 points respectively for lost side. Pioneros' coach Nelson Solorzano rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Trotamundos moved-up to third place, which they share with Piratas. Loser Pioneros dropped to the fourth position with two games lost. Trotamundos will meet at home Broncos (#5) in the next round. Pioneros will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Pioneros: B.Wesley 17+2reb+2ast, T.Bond 17+10reb+2ast, C.Elian 9+9reb+1ast, F.Pichardo 7+5reb+1ast, L.Ross 6+11reb+3ast, L.Steven 5+2ast
Trotamundos: T.Crump 17+6reb+2ast, J.Wilson 14+8reb+2ast, D.Cubillan 11+2reb+3ast, F.Fuenmayor 9+3reb, D.Smith 9+9reb+3ast, C.James 5+5reb+2ast

Panteras - Cocodrilos 68-79

There was a surprise result in Caracas where eighth ranked Cocodrilos (1-2) won against higher ranked Panteras (1-1) 79-68 on Tuesday. Cocodrilos forced 21 Panteras turnovers. Dominican Luis Montero (203-1993, college: South Plains) fired 18 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American Dylan Smith (196-1997, college: Arizona) chipped in 14 points. Smith is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas. Five Cocodrilos players scored in double figures. Cocodrilos' coach Luis Flores used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international guard Yeferson Guerra (192-2003, agency: Pro Sports) produced 19 points and American guard Jalen Quinn (190, college: Loyola, IL) added 12 points and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Cocodrilos left bottom position moving up to seventh place, which they share with Toros. Loser Panteras keep the fourth position with one game lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Cocodrilos' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas .
Top scorers:
Panteras: G.Yeferson 19+4reb+2ast, J.Quinn 12+3reb+4ast, A.White III 10+5reb+1ast, D.Ananguren 6+4reb, W.Graterol 6+12reb, G.Williams 6+2reb+2ast
Cocodrilos: L.Montero 18+6reb, D.Smith 14+2reb+3ast, C.Anyelo 14+5reb, V.Johnson 11+5reb+2ast, T.Cooper 10+4reb+3ast, E.Hernandez 5+1reb