PUERTO LA CRUZ, Venezuela (Interstat) — Zulia’s Gaiteros overcame a five-point halftime deficit Wednesday night to defeat Anzoátegui’s Marinos 78-77 at Luis Ramos de Puerto La Cruz in a Venezuelan SLB matchup.

Zulia led 19-17 after the first quarter, but Anzoátegui answered with a 28-22 second period to take a 45-41 lead into the break. The Gaiteros regained control in the third quarter, outscoring the Marinos 22-15 to lead 63-60, then held on despite Anzoátegui’s 17-15 edge in the fourth.

Michael Bryson led all scorers with 17 points for Anzoátegui, while Malik Dime added 10 points and 12 rebounds. Gregory Vargas contributed 12 points and four assists, and Anthony Perez-Cortesia scored 11 with six rebounds. Wesley Saunders posted eight points, six rebounds and five assists. For Zulia, Albert Arias had two points and four rebounds.

The win improved Zulia’s record to 20-3; Anzoátegui fell to 13-10. The teams last met April 6, when Zulia won 90-82 in Maracaibo.