Guaiqueries Edges Out Trotamundos in a Tense 72-67 Thriller

In a fiercely contested Liga Profesional de Baloncesto matchup on May 16, 2026, Guaiqueries de Margarita held off a spirited Trotamundos de Carabobo side to claim a hard-fought 72-67 victory. The game, played at the Domo Polideportivo de Margarita, saw the home side rely on gritty defense and clutch shooting down the stretch to preserve their winning record in the Venezuelan top flight.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams traded baskets with relentless energy. Trotamundos, known for their fast-paced offense and deep roster, jumped to an early lead behind sharp shooting from beyond the arc. However, Guaiqueries responded by tightening their interior defense and crashing the offensive glass. The first half ended with Trotamundos holding a slim 36-34 advantage.

The third quarter proved pivotal. Guaiqueries' backcourt duo of veteran point guard Luis “Lucho” Martínez and rising star José Acosta orchestrated a 14-2 run, flipping the scoreboard in their favor. Trotamundos fought back in the fourth, led by forward Carlos Delgado, but Guaiqueries' suffocating zone defense forced key turnovers in the final two minutes.

Key Performances

• José Acosta (Guaiqueries) – 22 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists. Acosta was unstoppable in isolation sets and converted crucial free throws down the stretch.
• Luis Martínez (Guaiqueries) – 14 points, 8 assists, 3 steals. The veteran controlled the tempo and made winning plays on both ends.
• Carlos Delgado (Trotamundos) – 19 points and 10 rebounds. Delgado battled inside but lacked consistent support from his perimeter shooters.

Turning Point

With 3:15 remaining and Trotamundos trailing by just two, Guaiqueries forward Andrés Rivas drew a crucial charge on Trotamundos' driving guard. The ensuing possession saw Acosta drain a step-back jumper, pushing the lead to four. Trotamundos never got closer than that margin again.

Season Impact

The victory improves Guaiqueries' record to 12-6, keeping them in the upper tier of the LPB standings. Trotamundos, now 10-8, will look to regroup ahead of their next matchup against Cocodrilos. The head-to-head series between these Venezuelan powerhouses now stands at 2-1 in favor of Guaiqueries this season.