Preview: Caxias Do Sul at Cearense, Brazilian NBB

FORTALEZA, Brazil (Interstat) — A struggling Cearense squad seeks to halt a lengthy losing skid when it hosts Caxias Do Sul in a Brazilian Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) matchup on Monday at Ginásio Municipal Paulo Sarasate.

The home team enters with the league’s worst record at 5-27 across all competitions and is mired in a seven-game losing streak. Its most recent outing was a 116-71 road loss to Franca on March 22. Cearense has lost 12 of its last 13 games, with its only win since early February coming against Pato Basquete on Feb. 18.

Forward Fernando Salsamendi has been a bright spot during the difficult stretch, averaging 12.8 points and 5.6 rebounds over his last five contests. He scored 20 points with six rebounds in the loss to Franca.

Caxias Do Sul (15-18) arrives with momentum after a narrow 76-74 victory over powerhouse Flamengo last Thursday. The win snapped a two-game slide and improved the team’s form to 3-3 over its last six games.

Guard Fabricio Ruiz keyed the upset over Flamengo with 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists in 26 minutes. He is averaging 11.8 points and 3.8 assists over his last six appearances.

In the season’s only prior meeting, Caxias Do Sul handled Cearense 68-52 on Dec. 23.

Following this contest, Cearense faces a difficult road trip with games at Minas and Cruzeiro next week. Caxias Do Sul continues its road schedule at Paraiba on Thursday before returning home for a two-game stand.

Tip-off is scheduled for Monday night in Fortaleza.