CARACAS (Interstat) — Center Luis Colon powered a decisive third-quarter surge as the Caracas Cocodrilos defeated Avila 85-69 on Thursday night at Gimnasio Jose Beracasa. The Cocodrilos improved to 19-5, while Avila dropped to 14-13.

Caracas trailed early but took control with a 30-17 advantage in the third period. The Cocodrilos had held a 22-13 lead after the first quarter, but Avila pulled within 41-37 at halftime behind a 24-point second quarter. Caracas then pulled away with the strong third quarter and finished with a 14-15 edge in the fourth.

Luis Martinez, Humberto Bompart, Alan Noguera, Jhonder Gomez, Ruben Gonzalez, Arian Amundaray, Evert Bernal, Luis Montero and J.D. Miller also contributed for Caracas. Avila shot from the floor at a lower percentage and struggled from three-point range and the free-throw line. The visitors were led by a balanced scoring effort but could not match the Cocodrilos’ intensity in the pivotal third quarter.