In a hard-fought contest at the Gimnasio Luis Ramos, the Marinos de Anzoátegui edged out the Gaiteros de Zulia 76–68 on June 2, 2026, in a vital Liga Profesional de Baloncesto (LPB) regular-season fixture. The victory strengthened the Marinos' push toward playoff positioning, while the Gaiteros were left to rue missed opportunities in a game that swung on a decisive third-quarter defensive stand.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both sides showed intense defensive energy, but it was the Marinos who established an early rhythm. A balanced attack in the first quarter saw them take a 22–18 lead, paced by forward Jorge Rivas, who finished with a team-high 18 points and 7 rebounds. The Gaiteros responded in the second period, using a quick 8–0 run to level the score at 38–38 by halftime. Point guard Luis Colina orchestrated the Zulia offense, dishing out 6 assists and chipping in 12 points.

The third quarter proved to be the turning point. Marinos head coach David Cubillán switched to a zone defense that disrupted Gaiteros’ spacing, forcing four turnovers in the first five minutes. Led by guard José “Chacho” Vargas, who scored 10 of his 15 points in the period, the home team pushed the lead to 58–50 entering the final frame.

Key Moments

• Third-quarter run: A 14–4 burst by Marinos early in the third, fueled by two steals from Vargas and a thunderous dunk by center Michael Pérez, gave them a double-digit lead they never relinquished.
• Late Gaiteros push: With 3 minutes left, Zulia cut the deficit to 70–66 after a three-point play by forward Jhonatan Ávila, but Marinos responded with a clutch jumper by Rivas and two free throws from veteran Héctor Romero to seal the win.
• Free throw accuracy: Marinos shot 18-of-22 from the charity stripe (81.8%), while Gaiteros managed only 14-of-21 (66.7%) – a crucial difference in a tight contest.

Tactical Story

Marinos dominated the paint, outrebounding Gaiteros 42–35 and scoring 38 points in the key. Coach Cubillán’s decision to start a bigger lineup with Harold Cazorla at the power forward position paid dividends, as Cazorla grabbed 11 boards (5 offensive) and altered several shots inside. Zulia, meanwhile, relied heavily on perimeter shooting, attempting 29 three-pointers but making only 9 (31%). Their inability to generate clean looks inside against the Marinos’ length was evident, especially in the second half when the home team’s rotation defense limited driving lanes.

The Gaiteros’ bench contributed only 16 points, while Marinos’ reserves added 24, including 8 from swingman Ángel Blanco in the fourth quarter. This depth proved decisive as both teams struggled with foul trouble – Marinos saw two starters pick up their third fouls by halftime, yet their reserves maintained the defensive intensity.

Standout Players

• Jorge Rivas (Marinos): 18 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block. The veteran forward was a steady presence, scoring in transition and from mid-range.
• Luis Colina (Gaiteros): 12 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds. He orchestrated Zulia’s offense effectively but lacked consistent support from his teammates in the second half.
• Héctor Romero (Marinos): 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists. The former LPB MVP provided crucial veteran leadership, hitting two key free throws down the stretch.
• Jhonatan Ávila (Gaiteros): 14 points, 8 rebounds. He battled hard on the glass but was limited after picking up his fourth foul early in the fourth quarter.

Season Impact

With the win, Marinos improved to 12–8 on the season, solidifying fourth place in the LPB standings and keeping pressure on third-place Trotamundos de Carabobo. The Gaiteros fell to 9–11, dropping to seventh and now facing a must-win scenario in their next two games to remain in playoff contention. The two teams meet again on June 5 in Maracaibo, a matchup that could prove critical for Zulia’s postseason hopes.

Marinos fans left the arena optimistic about their team’s form, as the victory marked their third straight home win. For Gaiteros, the road trip continues with a difficult test against league leaders Cocodrilos de Caracas next. The LPB season is heating up, and every possession matters as the playoff picture takes shape.