BAURU LOOKS TO EXTEND WIN STREAK AGAINST STRUGGLING BOTAFOGO

BRUSQUE, Brazil (Interstat) — A surging Bauru squad will look to capitalize on its recent form when it visits a struggling Botafogo side in a Brazilian Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) matchup on Thursday night at Arena Brusque.

Bauru (11-11) enters the contest riding a three-game winning streak, including a decisive 90-70 road victory over Vasco da Gama on Monday. The team has found its rhythm offensively, averaging 91.7 points during the streak.

The visitor’s charge is led by point guard Dontrell Brite, who has been exceptional. He is averaging 25.8 points over his last four games, including a 35-point outing in an overtime loss to Corinthians on Jan. 21. In Monday’s win, Brite posted 23 points, four rebounds and three assists in 32 minutes. He is supported by consistent contributors like forward Jose Materan and center Germerson Barbosa.

Botafogo (5-15), meanwhile, seeks to halt a slide after a 93-67 road loss to Pato Basquete on Feb. 12. The team has lost eight of its last 10 games and has struggled defensively, allowing an average of 86.2 points per game this season.

The home team will rely on forward Derick Machado Goncalves to provide a scoring punch. He is coming off a 26-point, eight-rebound performance in the loss to Pato and has scored 20 or more points in three of his last five appearances. Center Paulo Henrique Scheuer and guard Matheus Brito will also be key for Botafogo’s offense.

The matchup presents a clear contrast: Bauru’s high-powered, confident attack against a Botafogo team desperate to defend its home floor and find consistency. Bauru will aim to keep its momentum rolling before a tough road test at Flamengo on Saturday. Botafogo looks to regroup before a lengthy road trip of its own in early March.

Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. local time Thursday.