VEN - Walcott writes name in history books

MARACAIBO (Liga Profesional) - Gaiteros centre Omar Walcott has become the Liga Profesional's all-time leading rebounder following his side's 76-56 hammering of Gatos.

Walcott grabbed six rebounds in the match to reach 4,253 in his career and surpass Richard Medina's long-standing record of the 4,249.

The victory was one of three wins for the Zulia-based side over rock-bottom Gatos as Jorge Arrieta's side won 85-75 on Saturday, with 22 points from Ruben Nembhard, and 88-71 on Sunday, thanks to the 26-point contribution from Chris Jeffries.

Gaiteros are sixth in the eight-team table with 11 wins and 12 defeats. Their last loss came last Wednesday in Maracaibo when they went down 112-110 to former leaders Guaros, with Cedric Moodie pouring in 31 points for the winners.

Marinos from Anzoategui are the new Liga Profesional leaders with a 14-9 record  after a week in which several games postponed due to the Liga Sudamericana were finally played.

On Thursday in Sebucan, Rafael Guevara totalled 29 points to help Marinos beat Panteras 98-91.

Then at the weekend, they won one and lost one to sixth-placed Guaiqueries. Guaiqueries triumphed 77-76 on Saturday, but Marinos made amends a day later in La Asuncion as Guevara' 25 points steered them to a 83-74 victory which put them top of the table.

Guaros and reigning champions Trotamundos are joint second with 13-10 records.

Guaros lost 99-96 at Panteras on Saturday, but bounced back on Sunday to beat the same opponents 85-75 in the capital, Cedric Moodie pouring in 23 points.

Trotamundos, meanwhile, were the most successful team of the week, claiming four wins in as many games.

The run started last Tuesday with Alejandro Barrios scoring 17 points to help the Carabobo side to a 68-63 win against Guaiqueries and continued with three victories over Cocodrilos in Valencia.

They won 79-66 on Friday, Richard Lugo top scoring with 23 points, 85-82 on Saturday thanks to 26 points from Jose Vargas, and 94-91 on Sunday when Lugo contributed 22 points and 10 rebounds.

PA Sport