SPB Round 13 (Regular Season): Marinos lose to Gaiteros

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The biggest surprise took place in Maracaibo where host Gaiteros (4-5) edged league's leader Marinos (7-3) 92-91 on Thursday evening. Gaiteros made 20-of-22 free shots (90.9 percent) during the game. Strangely Marinos outrebounded Gaiteros 46-34 including 16 on the offensive glass. American swingman Micheal Warren (196-1995, college: CSUN) fired 33 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 4 assists (made all of his thirteen free throws !!!) for the winners. His fellow American import point guard Marquis Wright (185-1995, college: Siena, agency: Octagon Europe) chipped in 24 points. Panamanian-Mexican center Joshua Ibarra (211-1995, college: HCU) produced a double-double by scoring 26 points and 16 rebounds for lost side. Marinos' coach Lluis Pino rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Gaiteros maintains sixth place with 4-5 record. Marinos at the other side dropped to the second position with three games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Gladiadores. Marinos will play next round against strong Heroes trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Gaiteros will try to continue on its current victory against fifth ranked Guaiqueries in Porlamar.
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Cocodrilos as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Cocodrilos smashed 5th ranked Guaiqueries in Caracas 111-74. Worth to mention a great performance of American-Dominican guard Omar Silverio (190-1998, college: WVU) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 8 rebounds. Luis Montero contributed with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks for the winners. American forward Alphonso Anderson (198, college: Pacific) answered with 11 points and 7 rebounds for Guaiqueries. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Cocodrilos (7-2) have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. As mentioned above they took over a top position. Guaiqueries at the other side keep the fifth place with three games lost. Guaiqueries will play next round against Gaiteros trying to get back on the winning streak. Cocodrilos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.
Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Caracas: Brillantes (#5) and Spartans (#4). Brillantes (3-4) won against visiting Spartans (4-4) 85-76. Richard Bautista stepped up with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 10 assists for the winners. At the losing side Will Davis II responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Brillantes maintains fifth place with 3-4 record. Loser Spartans keep the fourth position with four games lost. Brillantes' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Llaneros.

Other games of round 13 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Pioneros defeated Toros in Caracas 89-77. Pioneros were beaten by Broncos at home 73-88. Centauros lost to Diablos on the opponent's court 83-84. Piratas managed to outperform Panteras in a home game 81-68.
The best stats of 13th round was 10 points, 14 rebounds and 6 blocks by Michael Watkins of Piratas.



Brillantes - Spartans 85-76

Another exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from Caracas: Brillantes (#5) and Spartans (#4). Brillantes (3-4) won against visiting Spartans (4-4) 85-76. Brillantes dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Spartans' 30. Brillantes looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Dominican point guard Richard Bautista (185-1997, agency: BMS Sport Agency) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 10 assists for the winners and American forward Marquez Letcher-Ellis (203-1997, college: Nevada) chipped in 18 points and 12 rebounds. At the losing side American forward Will Davis II (203-1992, college: UC Irvine) responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds and Dominican swingman Jassel Perez (195-2001, agency: BMS Sport Agency) scored 15 points. Four Spartans players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Brillantes maintains fifth place with 3-4 record. Loser Spartans keep the fourth position with four games lost. Brillantes' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas Llaneros.
Top scorers:
Brillantes: R.Bautista 30+3reb+10ast, M.Letcher-Ellis 18+12reb, L.Germany 10+3reb, J.Reese V 9+3reb+2ast, G.Rice Jr. 5+2reb+4ast, M.Marriaga 4+5reb+2ast
Spartans: W.Davis II 17+12reb+2ast, J.Perez 15+4reb+2ast, H.Bompart 11+1reb, N.Palacios 10+2reb+5ast, Y.Sifontes 7+3reb, L.Palacios 6+1ast

Toros - Pioneros 77-89

There was no surprise in Maracay where 9th ranked Toros (2-7) were defeated by third ranked Pioneros (6-5) 89-77 on Wednesday. American-Dominican Fausto Pichardo (203-1995, college: Alabama St.) stepped up and scored 19 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and American Will Daniels (202-1986, college: URI) chipped in 19 points. Four Pioneros players scored in double figures. At the losing side American guard Addison Spruill (195-1993, college: UNCW) responded with 19 points and 7 assists and the other American import center Elijah Tillman (203, college: GBC) produced a double-double by scoring 11 points and 12 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Pioneros maintains third place with 6-5 record behind leader Gladiadores. Toros lost their fifth game in a row. They dropped to the eighth position with seven games lost. They share it with Panteras and Diablos. Pioneros' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Caracas .
Top scorers:
Pioneros: W.Daniels 19+4reb+1ast, F.Pichardo 19+8reb+1ast, S.Louis 17+2reb+3ast, T.Bond 13+3reb+6ast, L.Ross 6+3reb+1ast, D.Perez 4+2reb
Toros: J.Glover 21+2reb+1ast, A.Spruill 19+3reb+7ast, E.Tillman 11+12reb+2ast, A.Barrios 8+2reb+1ast, C.Gutierrez 5, L.Vargas 4+3reb+2ast

Pioneros - Broncos 73-88

There was a small surprise in Caracas where sixth ranked Broncos (3-5) defeated 3rd placed Pioneros (6-5) 88-73 on Thursday. Broncos made 18-of-23 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. The game was dominated by American players. Forward Tyler Wilkerson (203-1988, college: Marshall) stepped up and scored 35 points (!!!) (made all of his ten free throws !!!) for the winners and swingman Jordan Williams (196-1992, college: N.Texas) chipped in 25 points. At the losing side forward LaQuinton Ross (203-1992, college: Ohio St.) responded with 18 points and 8 rebounds and Tim Bond (201-1995, college: EMU, agency: BMS Sport Agency) scored 11 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Broncos maintains sixth place with 3-5 record. Loser Pioneros keep the third position with five games lost. Broncos will meet at home Toros (#9) in the next round. Pioneros will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Broncos: T.Wilkerson 35+4reb+1ast, J.Williams 25+4reb+2ast, R.Roca 8+1reb+3ast, A.Sucre 7+4reb, E.Gonzalez 5+2reb, J.Araujo 4+15reb+1ast
Pioneros: L.Ross 18+8reb+2ast, T.Bond 11+9reb+4ast, W.Daniels 10+1reb, F.Pichardo 8+3reb, E.Centeno 8+5reb, S.Louis 6+4reb+1ast

Diablos - Centauros 84-83

There was a minor upset in Caracas where 7th ranked Centauros (3-6) were edged by ninth ranked Diablos (2-7) 84-83 on Thursday. American-Argentinian guard Romeao Ferguson (196-1997, college: Lipscomb) stepped up and scored 17 points and 6 assists for the winners and guard Edry Gonzalez (185-1998) chipped in 16 points and 8 rebounds. At the losing side American guard Isaac Thornton (193-1991, college: Fairmont St.) responded with 30 points (made all of his ten free throws !!!) and the other American import center Kevin Allen (211-1994, college: Emporia St.) scored 11 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Diablos moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Panteras and Toros. Loser Centauros keep the seventh position with six games lost. Diablos will meet at home higher ranked Piratas (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Centauros will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Diablos: R.Ferguson 17+4reb+6ast, E.Gonzalez 16+8reb+1ast, J.Mejias 13+2reb+1ast, B.Vazquez 12+1ast, J.Satchell 8+4reb+4ast, C.Curry 7+14reb+1ast
Centauros: I.Thornton 30+2reb+1ast, K.Allen 11+6reb+2ast, L.Capalbo 9+3reb+2ast, J.Cunningham 9+7reb+2ast, E.Gimenez 7+2reb+1ast, K.Pena 6+3reb+2ast

Cocodrilos - Guaiqueries 111-74

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Cocodrilos as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Cocodrilos smashed 5th ranked Guaiqueries in Caracas 111-74. Cocodrilos made 20-of-26 charity shots (76.9 percent) during the game. They shot the lights out from three nailing 15 long-distance shots on high 60.0 percentage. Cocodrilos players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American-Dominican guard Omar Silverio (190-1998, college: WVU) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 8 rebounds. Dominican Luis Montero (203-1993, college: South Plains) contributed with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks for the winners. American forward Alphonso Anderson (198, college: Pacific) answered with 11 points and 7 rebounds and the other American import center Gary McGhee (210-1988, college: Pittsburgh, agency: Inception Sports) added 9 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Guaiqueries. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Cocodrilos (7-2) have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. As mentioned above they took over a top position. Guaiqueries at the other side keep the fifth place with three games lost. Guaiqueries will play next round against Gaiteros trying to get back on the winning streak. Cocodrilos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.
Top scorers:
Cocodrilos: E.Hernandez 16+2reb+1ast, O.Silverio 16+8reb+1ast, J.Aponte 11+1reb+2ast, L.Montero 10+6reb+5ast, F.Pirela 10+2reb, A.Cisneros 10+1reb+1ast
Guaiqueries: G.Correa 12+1reb+2ast, P.Chourio 11+1reb+2ast, F.Corvalan 11+1reb+3ast, A.Anderson 11+7reb+2ast, T.Cobos 9+3reb, G.McGhee 9+7reb+1ast

Gaiteros - Marinos 92-91

The biggest surprise took place in Maracaibo where host Gaiteros (4-5) edged league's leader Marinos (7-3) 92-91 on Thursday evening. Gaiteros made 20-of-22 free shots (90.9 percent) during the game. Strangely Marinos outrebounded Gaiteros 46-34 including 16 on the offensive glass. American swingman Micheal Warren (196-1995, college: CSUN) fired 33 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 4 assists (made all of his thirteen free throws !!!) for the winners. His fellow American import point guard Marquis Wright (185-1995, college: Siena, agency: Octagon Europe) chipped in 24 points. Panamanian-Mexican center Joshua Ibarra (211-1995, college: HCU) produced a double-double by scoring 26 points and 16 rebounds and American guard Landers Nolley II (201-2000, college: Cincinnati) added 19 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Marinos' coach Lluis Pino rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Gaiteros maintains sixth place with 4-5 record. Marinos at the other side dropped to the second position with three games lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Gladiadores. Marinos will play next round against strong Heroes trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Gaiteros will try to continue on its current victory against fifth ranked Guaiqueries in Porlamar.
Top scorers:
Gaiteros: M.Warren 33+5reb+4ast, M.Wright 24+4reb+2ast, J.Diaz 11+2reb+1ast, V.Okouo 10+11reb+2ast, C.Garcia 8+2reb+2ast, J.Rondon 4+8reb+1ast
Marinos: J.Ibarra 26+16reb, L.Nolley II 19+6reb+3ast, T.Palmer 16+7reb+2ast, C.Lemus 10+4reb+12ast, L.Bethelmy 7+8reb+2ast, J.Glynn 4+3reb+1ast

Piratas - Panteras 81-68

Rather predictable result in La Guaira where fourth ranked Piratas (6-4) beat 8th ranked Panteras (2-7) 81-68 on Thursday. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Piratas made 9 blocks. American forward Michael Watkins (206-1995, college: Penn State) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 14 rebounds and 6 blocks for the winners and Dominican guard Juan Suero (196-1993, agency: BMS Sport Agency) chipped in 23 points (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). At the losing side American guard Gerald Williams (190-1991, college: La Sierra) responded with 20 points and the former international center Windi Graterol (204-1986, agency: Pro Sports) scored 9 points and 12 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Piratas moved-up to third place. Loser Panteras keep the eighth position with seven games lost. They share it with Toros and Diablos. Piratas will meet Diablos (#8) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Panteras will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Piratas: J.Suero 23+3reb, J.Ramos 11+1reb, J.Matos 11+4reb+6ast, M.Watkins 10+14reb+3ast, J.Vargas 8+4reb, A.Amundaray 8+2reb+2ast
Panteras: G.Williams 20+1reb+2ast, E.Bernal 11+3reb, W.Graterol 9+12reb, C.Raines 8+5reb+2ast, Y.Guerra 7+1reb+2ast, E.Alcala 6+3reb