MAZATLAN, Mexico (Interstat) — The Guasave Frayles, winners of four straight and boasting the CIBACOPA’s second-best record, visit the Venados on Friday at Centro de Usos Multiples in a matchup of teams headed in opposite directions.

Guasave (21-13) enters the 8 p.m. local tipoff riding a wave of high-scoring victories, having averaged 119.3 points during its win streak. The Frayles routed Ciudad de Mexico 100-75 on May 2 behind a balanced attack led by small forward D’Moi Hodge, who posted 19 points, six rebounds and three assists in 25 minutes. Hodge, a 6-foot-5 scoring threat, has been Guasave’s most consistent performer, averaging 25.7 points over his last three games while shooting efficiently.

Venados (6-25) are mired in last place and have lost eight of their last nine, including a 112-87 defeat to the Jal. Astros on Tuesday. Shooting guard Jeff Ledbetter led Venados in that contest with 19 points, three rebounds and seven assists in 33 minutes. The 6-foot-3 guard will need support from Khydarius Smith, who scored 20 points on Tuesday, and point guard Devonte Bandoo, who added 16 points and two assists.

The teams have met twice this season, both in early March at Guasave. The Frayles won both, 99-83 on March 7 and 85-73 on March 6. Guasave has won five of its last six overall, while Venados have dropped 10 of their last 11. The Frayles lead the season series 2-0.

Guasave’s recent surge has been fueled by backcourt production. Point guard Sa’eed Nelson contributed 10 points, seven rebounds and six assists in the May 2 win, and shooting guard Octavio Brito added 16 points off the bench. The Frayles have scored at least 112 points in seven of their last nine games.

Venados, in contrast, have struggled defensively, allowing 100 or more points in 10 of their last 13 games. Their lone bright spot in recent weeks came in a surprising 103-80 win at Jal. Astros on April 26, but that was followed by three consecutive losses, including a 98-86 defeat at Guaymas on May 2.

Friday’s game is the first of a two-game set at Centro de Usos Multiples, with the same teams meeting again on Saturday. Guasave, sitting second in the standings, looks to tighten its grip on a playoff spot, while Venados aim to snap a four-game home losing streak. The Frayles will lean on Hodge, who has hit double figures in his last 10 games and recorded a 32-point, 10-rebound double-double on April 11 against Guaymas.

Venados will hope Ledbetter can replicate his April 26 performance, when he orchestrated the offense with seven assists. But against a Guasave team that forced 15 turnovers in the March 7 win, the home side faces a steep challenge. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. local time.