VEN - Guaros keep hopes alive

BARQUISIMETO (Liga Profesional) - Guaros gave themselves a fighting chance of winning the Venezuelan Liga Profesional with an 85-72 win over Trotamundos in Game Five of the final.

Trotamundos still have a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven tie, but Guaros will be hoping this crucial win can turn the tide in their favour.

The Carabobo-based Trotamundos profited from the two matches played at their home in Valencia, but the crucial triumph occurred in Game Four, when they beat the Lara-based Guaros as visitors in Barquisimeto.

Trotamundos won Game One 91-87 thanks to 30 points from Richard Lugo, who poured in the same amount in their 96-84 Game Two triumph.

Then the tie moved to Barquisimeto, giving Guaros the chance to get back in the contest, which they did in Game Three with a 99-84 win thanks to 26 points from Cordell Henry.

However, Trotamundos won Game Four 105-96 with MVP Lawrence Wallace netting 35 points - including eight three-pointers - while Henry netted 33 for Guaros.

This left Guaros needing a triumph in Game Five or they would lose the title.

It was a crucial moment for them and the 85-72 win helped keep alive their hopes.

Henry and Pablo Machado, with 22 and 19 points respectively, helped Guaros shorten the gap and now the tie returns to Valencia, where if Trotamundos win one more match, they will raise the trophy.

Guaros must win both the remaining games if they want to end the season as winners.

PA Sport