Marinos de Anzoátegui Claim Venezuelan Basketball Title No. 12, Setting New League Record
June 10, 2024 | 19:30 UTC (15:30 EDT)
Marinos de Anzoátegui won the 2026 Baloncesto Profesional de Venezuela (BPV) championship with a 78-69 victory over Guaiqueríes de Margarita on Saturday, June 8 at the Polideportivo de la UCV in Caracas, securing their 12th league title and surpassing the previous record of 11 championships held by both Guaiqueríes and Trotamundos de Carabobo.
How Marinos Became Venezuela’s Most Decorated Team
The victory marked Marinos’ third championship in four seasons, extending their dominance in Venezuelan professional basketball. According to league records verified by the Federación Internacional de Basketball de Venezuela (FIBAV), the team’s 12th title surpasses Guaiqueríes’ previous record of 11 championships, established between 1985 and 2013.
Marinos’ head coach José “Cheo” Hernández called the victory “historic” in post-game remarks. “This is a milestone not just for our team, but for Venezuelan basketball,” Hernández said. “Our players have shown incredible resilience, and we’re proud to leave our mark on this league’s history.”
Guaiqueríes, who had won their most recent title in 2013, fell just short in the decisive Game 5 of the best-of-five series. The defeat ends their 13-season title drought, the longest in BPV history.
Key Performances That Decided the Championship
Marinos’ victory was built on strong performances from their starting lineup. Center José Martínez (22 points, 14 rebounds) led the scoring, while guard Roberto Rodríguez (18 points, 7 assists) controlled the pace. The team’s defense held Guaiqueríes to just 38.5% shooting in the final quarter, sealing the victory.
Guaiqueríes’ top scorer Luis Fernández (24 points) struggled with foul trouble, finishing with three fouls in the final five minutes. “We fought hard, but Marinos’ experience showed in the clutch,” Fernández said after the game.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| José Martínez | Marinos | 22 | 14 | 3 |
| Roberto Rodríguez | Marinos | 18 | 4 | 7 |
| Luis Fernández | Guaiqueríes | 24 | 8 | 2 |
| Carlos Mendoza | Guaiqueríes | 15 | 9 | 1 |
What This Means for Venezuelan Basketball’s Future
Marinos’ record-setting victory comes at a pivotal moment for Venezuelan basketball. The league has faced financial challenges in recent years, with some teams struggling to maintain rosters. However, the championship final drew an estimated 8,500 fans to the Polideportivo de la UCV, the largest attendance for a BPV final since 2018, according to stadium officials.
League president Dr. Carlos Torres called the event “a testament to the passion of Venezuelan fans.” He added that the record-breaking attendance and Marinos’ success could “inspire renewed investment in the league.”
Looking ahead, Marinos will represent Venezuela in the 2027 FIBA Americas League qualifiers, where they’ll face teams from across the Americas in a bid for continental competition. The team’s recent success has also sparked discussions about potential international transfers, with several players already scouted by NBA G League teams.
How Marinos’ Dynasty Compares to Venezuela’s Basketball History
Marinos’ 12th title extends a dynasty that began in 2015. Since that championship, the team has won in 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, and now 2026—a span of 11 seasons where they’ve been champions in six of them. This compares to:
| Team | Championships | Most Recent Title | Title Span |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marinos de Anzoátegui | 12 | 2026 | 2015–2026 (11 seasons) |
| Guaiqueríes de Margarita | 11 | 2013 | 1985–2013 (28 seasons) |
| Trotamundos de Carabobo | 11 | 2008 | 1963–2008 (45 seasons) |
| Gigantes de Guayana | 9 | 2019 | 1990–2019 (29 seasons) |
While Guaiqueríes and Trotamundos built their dynasties over decades, Marinos’ recent success has been more concentrated. Their ability to consistently win titles in a league with financial instability speaks to their organizational strength and player development programs.
What’s Next for Marinos and Venezuelan Basketball
Marinos will begin their 2027 season in late August, with their first game scheduled against Gigantes de Guayana on August 25 at the Polideportivo José María Vargas in Guayana. The team has already begun preparations for the FIBA Americas League qualifiers, with training camps set to begin in July.
For Guaiqueríes, the focus will shift to rebuilding. The team has already begun negotiations with several free agents, including forward Pedro Sosa, who left for a European club last offseason.
The BPV league office has announced plans to expand the regular season to 36 games in 2027, up from 32, in an effort to increase competitiveness and fan engagement. “This championship proves there’s still excitement in our league,” Torres said. “We’re committed to making BPV basketball the most thrilling in Latin America.”
How to Follow Venezuelan Basketball Moving Forward
For fans looking to stay updated on Marinos and the BPV league:
- Official BPV website – Schedule, standings, and results
- FIBAV official page – National team and league news
- BPV Twitter – Real-time updates and highlights
- EuroBasket Venezuela – Player statistics and international news
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