FRANCA, Brazil (Interstat) — A stark contrast in fortunes will be on display Thursday when league-leading Franca hosts last-place Pato Basquete in a Brazilian Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) matchup at Ginásio Pedro Murilla Fuentes.

Franca (33-9) enters as one of the league’s most dominant teams, riding a seven-game winning streak. Its most recent victory was a 91-87 road win over Bauru on Monday. The team is powered by forward George Lucas, who has been in exceptional form. Over his last five games, Lucas is averaging 19.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.1 assists, including a 31-point, 8-rebound, 7-assist performance against Corinthians on March 24 and a 16-point, 10-assist double-double in the win over Bauru.

Pato Basquete (6-24) is mired in a six-game losing skid and sits at the bottom of the standings. The team fell 78-70 to Ulbra at home on Monday. Guard Michel de Souza has been a consistent bright spot, averaging 9.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists over his last five contests. He led the team with 14 points and six rebounds in the loss to Ulbra.

The head-to-head history further illustrates the mismatch. When these teams met on Dec. 18, Franca delivered a 93-71 rout of Pato Basquete.

For Franca, the game represents a chance to solidify its top seeding and maintain momentum before a road game at Ulbra on Sunday. For struggling Pato Basquete, it is a daunting challenge to snap its prolonged slump, with a visit to Osasco Basquete awaiting on Saturday.

Tipoff is set for Thursday night in Franca.