Review: Guaros de Lara qualified with the added desire of successfully defending the continental title

MONTERREY (DIRECTV Liga de las Americas) - The defending champion of the DIRECTV Liga de las Americas, Guaros de Lara began the 2017 edition of the continental league in Monterrey, as part of Group B.

The defending champions qualified to the Semi-Final Phase of the continental league with a 2 - 1 record, that included victories over Caballos de Coclé (Panama), Leones de Quilpué (Chile) and a setback against hosts, Fuerza Regia (Mexico).

In their debut, the Venezuelans faced Caballos de Coclé and were handicapped by a lack of game rhythm that was the story of the team in this Group Phase. For many Guaros de Lara players this signified their return to the court after ending their participation in the DIRECTV Liga Sudamericana last November, and due to the delay of the start of their national league. And Coclé played tough with a good performance from Ricky Sanchez, who finished with 19 points.

However, Guaros imposed their experience and closed strong in a match in which their offensive versatility was key. The Venezuelan club had four players in double figure and an elite distribution exhibition at the hands of Heissler Guillent, who contributed with 14 assists in the victory over Caballos by the score of 92-83.

Guaros won in their second game against Leones de Quilpué with a great start from veteran Luis Bethelmy, who scored 20 points in the first half of what was a dominant 103-80 victory. The Venezuelans secured their qualification with the win and even after falling against the host in the last day, advanced to the Semifinal Phase where they will continue their defense of the title.

On the third and final day of competition in the group, Fuerza Regia faced defending champion Guaros de Lara for the first place. It was a competitive game in which both team exchanged leads and had important performances by key players. For Fuerza Regia was Andy Panko, with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, while for Guaros it was Zach Graham with 23 points, both responsible for carrying the offensive load of their teams.

In the end, the Mexican club closed the game with a very precise attack led by Panko who scored 10 points in the quarter. They won it by the score 84-78 and finished in first place of Group B with an undefeated 3-0 record.

Guaros de Lara will return to Monterrey for the Semifinal Phase of the DIRECTV Liga de las Americas, where they will face Soles de Mexicali (Mexico), La Unión de Formosa (Argentina) and Fuerza Regia (Mexico). The best two teams of the Semi-Final Group will qualify for the Final4 of the continental league.

The DIRECTV Liga de las Americas is broadcast through DIRECTV (América), Punto2 (Puerto Rico) and through the web at livebasketball.tv (subscription required).

For the best coverage of the DIRECTV Liga de las Americas 2017, visit ligamericas.com and our social networks @ligamericas.

FIBA