Marinos End an 11-Year Wait to Become Venezuela's Most-Decorated Club

The long wait is over for Marinos de Anzoategui. The eastern powerhouse beat Guaiqueries de Margarita 82-65 in Game 5 of the Gran Final to win the 2026 Superliga Profesional de Baloncesto, ending an 11-year title drought and, with it, claiming a record 12th championship.
A packed "Caldera del Diablo" turned out to see a coronation at home the club's first title in front of its own fans since 2014. Marinos fed off that energy from the tip, racing to a 26-16 first quarter and stretching the lead to as many as 14 (35-21) early in the second. But Guaiqueries, true to their never-say-die reputation, answered with a 15-3 burst to trim the deficit to 38-36 at halftime and leave the trophy hanging in the balance.
The visitors briefly edged ahead in the third, but it proved a mirage. Marinos seized control with a decisive 26-12 third quarter to lead 64-48 entering the fourth, and from there the veteran Gregory Vargas (181-PG-1986) managed the game and the clock as the margin only grew, the hosts closing it out 82-65.
KJ McDaniels (197-F-1993, college: Clemson) led Marinos with 16 points, with Juan Suero (196-G-1993) adding 17 and Luis Duarte 16 off the bench, while Vargas chipped in 15. Kender Urbina (176-PG-2004) top-scored for Guaiqueries with 15 and Nahziah Carter (198-G-1999, college: Washington) added 14. Vargas was named Finals MVP after averaging 13.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 steals across the series while shooting 52 percent from three (12 of 23) and a perfect 10-of-10 from the line.
The title carried a raft of records. Marinos overtook Trotamundos de Carabobo to become the most successful club in Venezuelan pro basketball with 12 crowns; Vargas became the most decorated player in league history with nine titles, surpassing Oscar Torres; and coach Nestor "Mamaosa" Salazar claimed his seventh championship.