MARACAIBO (Liga Profesional) - Gaiteros have taken a shock 3-1 lead in the Venezuelan Liga Nacional's second stage and are one game away from eliminating reigning champions Marinos from the competition.
Sunday night's 93-83 home win for Gaiteros means that Marinos, champions for the last three seasons, are on the verge of being knocked out. It all looked to be going to plan for Marinos as they claimed the opening match 91-80 thanks to a brilliant performance by Hector Romero, who scored 43 points.
However, Gaiteros hit back in style to win the next three games, prevailing 105-99 away from home in Game Two to level the series up before establishing a 3-1 lead with triumphs of 97-89 and, on Sunday, 93-83. Gaiteros, who finished fifth in the regular season standings, will have the chance to book a semi-final place on Monday.
The other two ties in the second stage are level at 2-2. Top seeds Trotamundos quickly established a 2-0 lead over Gatos thanks to 100-69 and 121-114 victories, the second of which saw Richard Lugo pour in 32 points, claim eight rebounds and hand out 26 assists. Gatos bounced back though to level the series up with wins of 81-77 and 93-83.
Guaros of Lara and Margarita-based Guaiqueries are also tied 2-2 after Guaros saw their 2-0 lead erased in the latest two meetings. Having won 105-95 after overtime and 97-83 in the first two matches, Guaros looked to be in control but Guaiqueries fought back with wins of 120-116 - a game that also went to overtime - and 90-77.
This second stage of the league continues on Monday with the respective Games Fives. The three successful teams plus the best losers will qualify for the best-of-seven semi-finals.
By PA Sport, Exclusively for FIBA