MANAGUA (Nicaragua) – Gladiadores de Anzoategui, who are the first Venezuelan team to play in the Basketball Champions League Americas, triumphed 82-76 over Halcones de Xalapa.

Gladiadores led for all but one minute and 13 seconds, but the game’s margin stayed within single digits throughout the majority of it.

Gregory Vargas scored a game-high 22 points for Gladiadores along with 3 rebounds and 3 assists. The 37-year-old guard shot 6-of-14 from the field and 3-of-7 from three-point.

Yohanner Sifontes and Garly Sojo both missed out on a double-double by one rebound, as Sifontes finished with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists off the bench while Sojo had 12 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals.

Gladiadores grabbed 13 offensive rebounds and had a 14-2 advantage in second chance points. They also committed only one fewer turnover (18-17), but had a wide difference in points from turnovers (25-10).

Brian Conklin did a little bit of everything for Halcones in defeat, finishing with 10 points, 5 steals, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks.

Gladiadores de Anzoategui begin 1-0 in Group A and face Real Esteli next on Monday. Halcones de Xalapa fall to 0-2 in the group and will return to game action on January 21.

FIBA