LA ASUNCION, Venezuela (Interstat) — Michael Bryson scored 27 points and grabbed two rebounds to lead the Anzoátegui Marinos past the Margarita Guaiqueries 71-68 on Thursday in Game 1 of their Venezuelan SLB playoff series.

Anzoátegui led 21-17 after the first quarter and took a 38-37 halftime edge. The Marinos extended the lead to 58-51 in the third quarter before Margarita outscored them 17-13 in the fourth, but the Guaiqueries could not complete the comeback.

Gregory Vargas added 15 points and three assists for Anzoátegui, and Malik Dime had six points and eight rebounds. Luis Duarte scored six points, and Nestor Colmenares added four points and five rebounds.

Juan Guerrero posted 13 points and 13 rebounds for Margarita, Pedro Chourio had 15 points and five rebounds, and James Reese V and Nahziah Carter each scored 12 points. Miguel Ruiz grabbed eight rebounds.

The Marinos, now 22-12, lead the series 1-0. Game 2 is Friday at Gimnasio Ciudad de la Asuncion.