MATURIN, Venezuela (Interstat) — Monagas defeated Estudiantes Merida 2-1 on Sunday at home as Fernando Basante scored twice in the first half. Basante struck in the 11th minute and again in the 24th, played 80 minutes, was substituted and received a yellow card. Jesus Lobo scored for Estudiantes Merida in the 65th minute and played 76 minutes before being substituted. Henry Diaz had an assist and played 70 minutes for Monagas before being replaced. Jesus Hernandez had an assist and played 51 minutes for Estudiantes Merida. Edgar Carrion had an assist, played 57 minutes and was booked before being substituted. Monagas improved to 1-0 in the competition and 1-1 overall. Estudiantes Merida fell to 0-1 in the competition and 0-1 overall. Yellow cards also went to Jaramillo, De La Hoz and Romero for Monagas, and Acosta, Rodriguez and Caicedo for Estudiantes Merida.