SPB Round 8 (Regular Season): Marinos lose their first game against Heroes

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was the first loss of Marinos (5-1) in Puerto La Cruz on Tuesday night. Hosts were edged by fifth ranked Heroes (3-2) 59-58. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Marinos. Worth to mention a great performance of American Andre Nation (196-1993, college: JMU) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and naturalized Colombian Luis Almanza (196-1991) who added 10 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. The former international forward Luis Bethelmy (200-1986) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Heroes moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Cocodrilos. Marinos at the other side still keep top position with one game lost. Heroes will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Marinos will play on the road against Panteras in Caracas and are hoping to win this game.
Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Caracas: Pioneros (#4) and Broncos (#7). Broncos were defeated at home 81-87 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. The winners were led by American-Dominican Fausto Pichardo (203-1995, college: Alabama St.) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds and Will Daniels supported him with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Even 25 points and 4 assists by American guard Rashad James (185-1990, college: Iona) did not help to save the game for Broncos. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Pioneros (4-2) moved-up to second place, which they share with Trotamundos and Piratas. Broncos lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth position with four games lost. They share it with Panteras. Pioneros' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Gladiadores.
Another interesting game was again a derby between two local teams from Caracas: Gladiadores (#1) and Llaneros (#5). Gladiadores (6-0) won against visiting Llaneros (2-3) 91-81. The best player for the winners was Anthony Perez who scored 24 points and 8 rebounds. Dion Wright produced a double-double by scoring 24 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the guests. Undefeated Gladiadores have an impressive six-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 6-0 record. Llaneros lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with three games lost. They share the position with Toros and Centauros. Gladiadores' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Pioneros.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 8: Brillantes destroyed Frontinos on the opponent's court 94-71. Trotamundos managed to outperform Toros in a home game 92-75. Piratas recorded a loss to Centauros on the road 97-92. Winless Diablos were defeated by Cocodrilos on its own court 72-86. Panteras were beaten by Guaiqueries in Porlamar 68-61.



Frontinos - Brillantes 71-94

The game between closely ranked teams ended with bottom-ranked Frontinos' (0-5) home loss to eighth ranked Brillantes (1-3) 71-94 on Monday. Brillantes shot 61.7 percent from the field and made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was Dominican point guard Richard Bautista (185-1997, agency: BMS Sport Agency) who scored 16 points and 7 assists. American guard James Reese V (193-1998, college: S.Carolina) chipped in 19 points and 4 steals. Four Brillantes players scored in double figures. Canadian Anthony Peacock (206-1999, college: MWSU) produced 16 points and 7 rebounds and Jean Payen (193-2003) added 13 points and 5 assists respectively for the hosts. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Brillantes left bottom position moving up to seventh place, which they share with Gaiteros. It was Frontinos' fifth loss in a row. They still close the standings with five games lost. They share the position with Diablos. Brillantes' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena .
Top scorers:
Brillantes: J.Reese V 19+3reb+3ast, R.Bautista 16+3reb+7ast, M.Marriaga 15+3reb, Z.Owens 11+4reb+3ast, L.Germany 8+4reb+4ast, B.Duran 8+1ast
Frontinos: A.Peacock 16+7reb+1ast, J.Payen 13+1reb+5ast, J.Figueroa 11+1reb, C.Silva 8+4reb+1ast, S.Quiroz 8+2reb+2ast, A.Cabrera 8+2reb

Trotamundos - Toros 92-75

Rather predictable result in La Asuncion where third ranked Trotamundos (4-2) defeated 6th ranked Toros (2-3) 92-75 on Monday. Trotamundos shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 53.8 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Toros' players. The best player for the winners was point guard Leinfer Montes (192-1994) who scored 13 points and 5 assists. American point guard Christian James (194-1996, college: Oklahoma) chipped in 11 points and 4 assists. American center Elijah Tillman (203, college: GBC) produced 12 points and 9 rebounds and American-Puerto Rican forward Jordan Glover (198-1996, college: TCNJ) added 17 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Trotamundos moved-up to second place, which they share with Pioneros and Piratas. Loser Toros dropped to the fifth position with three games lost. They share it with Centauros and Llaneros. Trotamundos will meet at home Spartans (#4) in the next round. Toros will play against Frontinos in Tachira and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Trotamundos: T.Crump 15+3ast, L.Montes 13+3reb+5ast, J.Wilson 13+3reb+1ast, D.Cubillan 11+2reb+1ast, C.James 11+4reb+4ast, F.Fuenmayor 9+3reb
Toros: J.Glover 17+1reb, A.Barrios 13+4reb+1ast, E.Tillman 12+9reb, J.Vargas 11+2reb+2ast, A.Spruill 7+4reb+1ast, C.Gutierrez 7+3reb+2ast

Centauros - Piratas 97-92

There was an upset in Margarita where second-ranked Piratas (4-2) were defeated by eighth ranked Centauros (2-3) 97-92 on Monday. Centauros forced 24 Piratas turnovers. The best player for the winners was American forward Josh Cunningham (203-1996, college: Dayton) who had a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds. Uruguayan-Italian point guard Lucas Capalbo (175-2000, college: Odessa JC) chipped in 18 points, 7 assists and 6 steals. Four Centauros players scored in double figures. Centauros' coach Alexis Cedres used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Dominican guard Juan Suero (196-1993, agency: BMS Sport Agency) produced a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!), 11 rebounds and 6 assists and American forward Michael Watkins (206-1995, college: Penn State) added 28 points, 17 rebounds and 8 blocks respectively for the guests. Centauros moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Toros and Llaneros. Loser Piratas keep the second position with two games lost. They share it with Trotamundos and Pioneros. Centauros will meet at home Gaiteros (#7) in the next round. Piratas will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Centauros: J.Cunningham 23+10reb+2ast, L.Capalbo 18+4reb+7ast, E.Gimenez 16+6reb+2ast, I.Thornton 15+1reb+3ast, D.Rondon 8+5reb+2ast, K.Allen 7+5reb
Piratas: J.Suero 33+11reb+6ast, M.Watkins 28+17reb, A.Morillo 12+1reb+4ast, A.Amundaray 9+2reb, D.Hollis 7+3reb+3ast, J.Ramos 3+1ast

Diablos - Cocodrilos 72-86

Everything went according to plan in Caracas where fourth ranked Cocodrilos (3-2) beat bottom-ranked Diablos (0-5) 86-72 on Monday. The best player for the winners was the former international forward Anyelo Cisneros (200-1997) who scored 16 points and 8 rebounds. Dominican Luis Montero (203-1993, college: South Plains) chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Four Cocodrilos players scored in double figures. American-Argentinian guard Romeao Ferguson (196-1997, college: Lipscomb) produced 18 points and 8 rebounds and guard Edry Gonzalez (185-1998) added 19 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Cocodrilos have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 3-2 record, which they share with Heroes. Loser Diablos still closes the standings with five games lost. They share the position with Frontinos. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Cocodrilos: T.Cooper 19+3ast, L.Montero 16+6reb+3ast, A.Cisneros 16+8reb+2ast, D.Smith 12+1reb+1ast, L.Betancourt 7+4reb+3ast, A.Moe 5+5reb
Diablos: E.Gonzalez 19+5reb+3ast, R.Ferguson 18+8reb+2ast, A.Indriago 8+2reb+1ast, B.Vazquez 8, R.Yriarte 4+3reb, J.Rodriguez 3+2reb

Broncos - Pioneros 81-87

Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Caracas: Pioneros (#4) and Broncos (#7). Broncos were defeated at home 81-87 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. Pioneros dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Broncos' 34. The winners were led by American-Dominican Fausto Pichardo (203-1995, college: Alabama St.) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds and American Will Daniels (202-1986, college: URI) supported him with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Even 25 points and 4 assists by American guard Rashad James (185-1990, college: Iona) did not help to save the game for Broncos. Swingman Luis Duarte (190-1994) added 18 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Pioneros (4-2) moved-up to second place, which they share with Trotamundos and Piratas. Broncos lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth position with four games lost. They share it with Panteras. Pioneros' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Caracas to the arena Gladiadores.
Top scorers:
Pioneros: W.Daniels 14+6reb+2ast, B.Wesley 14+3reb+4ast, F.Pichardo 12+10reb+3ast, T.Bond 9+6reb+3ast, J.Gonzalez 9+3reb+2ast, E.Centeno 8+6reb+2ast
Broncos: R.James 25+2reb+4ast, L.Duarte 18+8reb+1ast, J.Centeno 10+1reb+1ast, R.Roca 9+4reb+1ast, J.Araujo 8+7reb+1ast, E.Gonzalez 5+5reb

Gladiadores - Llaneros 91-81

Another interesting game was again a derby between two local teams from Caracas: Gladiadores (#1) and Llaneros (#5). Gladiadores (6-0) won against visiting Llaneros (2-3) 91-81. The best player for the winners was the former international forward Anthony Perez (205-1993, college: Ole Miss) who scored 24 points and 8 rebounds. Costa Rican-Belizean Charles Garcia (204-1988, college: Seattle) chipped in 21 points and 5 rebounds. Four Gladiadores players scored in double figures. American forward Dion Wright (201-1993, college: St.Bonaventure) produced a double-double by scoring 24 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and French center Ludgy Debaut (213, college: ECU, agency: Helping Ballers) added 17 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the guests. Gladiadores have an impressive six-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 6-0 record. Llaneros lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with three games lost. They share the position with Toros and Centauros. Gladiadores' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Pioneros.
Top scorers:
Gladiadores: A.Perez 24+8reb+1ast, C.Garcia 21+5reb, A.Henriquez 17+4reb, G.Vargas 12+7ast, P.Jackson 7+5ast, J.Romero 4+2reb+3ast
Llaneros: D.Wright 24+10reb+4ast, L.Debaut 17+8reb+1ast, J.Tovar 11+3reb+2ast, Y.Llerena 9+1ast, K.Higgins 5+6reb+2ast, C.Centeno 5+4reb+2ast

Guaiqueries - Panteras 68-61

There was no surprise in Porlamar where 8th ranked Panteras (1-4) were defeated by third ranked Guaiqueries (4-1) 68-61 on Tuesday. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Pedro Chourio (196-1990, agency: Pro Sports) who scored 16 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. American forward Alphonso Anderson (198, college: Pacific) chipped in 14 points and 7 rebounds. Four Guaiqueries players scored in double figures. The former international guard Yeferson Guerra (192-2003, agency: Pro Sports) produced 14 points and 6 rebounds and American swingman Andrew White III (200-1993, college: Syracuse) added 13 points respectively for the guests. Panteras' coach Miguel Volcan rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Guaiqueries have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Panteras lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with four games lost. They share it with Broncos. Guaiqueries will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Panteras will play against the league's leader Marinos (#1) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Guaiqueries: P.Chourio 16+5reb+5ast, A.Anderson 14+7reb+2ast, F.Corvalan 13+7reb+1ast, G.McGhee 10+7reb, E.Martinez 7+6reb, T.Cobos 5+3reb
Panteras: Y.Guerra 14+6reb+2ast, A.White III 13+3reb+1ast, G.Williams 7+1ast, C.Raines 6+2reb+1ast, D.Ananguren 5+9reb, W.Graterol 5+4reb+1ast

Marinos - Heroes 58-59

The most surprising game was the first loss of Marinos (5-1) in Puerto La Cruz on Tuesday night. Hosts were edged by fifth ranked Heroes (3-2) 59-58. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Marinos. Worth to mention a great performance of American Andre Nation (196-1993, college: JMU) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and naturalized Colombian Luis Almanza (196-1991) who added 10 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. The former international forward Luis Bethelmy (200-1986) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds and Panamanian-Mexican center Joshua Ibarra (211-1995, college: HCU) scored 12 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Heroes moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Cocodrilos. Marinos at the other side still keep top position with one game lost. Heroes will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Marinos will play on the road against Panteras in Caracas and are hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Heroes: A.Nation 21+4reb, L.Almanza 10+8reb+2ast, G.Curvelo 9+5reb, Z.Jasper 5+1reb, E.Cappare 3+1reb+2ast, F.Thamba 3+13reb+1ast
Marinos: L.Bethelmy 16+12reb+1ast, J.Ibarra 12+8reb+3ast, C.Lemus 9+1reb+5ast, L.Nolley II 7+5reb+2ast, L.Julio 4+1reb, J.Glynn 4+5reb