Carolina, Puerto Rico (Interstat) — The Bayamon Vaqueros visit the Carolina on Thursday in a key Baloncesto Superior Nacional matchup as the two teams jockey for position atop the division standings.

Bayamon (17-9) leads the division and enters the game following a 99-74 win at Quebradillas on Monday. Carolina (11-8) sits second in the division after defeating Caguas 98-93 at home on Monday.

The teams split their two previous meetings this season. Carolina won 77-76 at home on April 11, while Bayamon won 113-82 at home on April 20.

Players to watch

Bayamon forward Xavier Cooks has been a consistent contributor. Over his past 10 games, he has averaged 16.0 points and 7.1 rebounds. In Bayamon’s most recent win Monday, Cooks logged 19 minutes with 11 points and five rebounds. His best recent outing came May 9 against Santurce, when he posted 19 points and 14 rebounds in 25 minutes. Cooks has scored in double figures in all but one of his past 10 appearances, including a 29-point effort April 22 against Santurce.

Carolina guard Jaylen Nowell has been the team’s primary scoring threat. In his past 10 games, he has averaged 24.5 points and 3.6 assists. On Monday against Caguas, Nowell played 34 minutes and scored 23 points with four rebounds and three assists. He has scored at least 17 points in each of his past seven games, reaching 29 points twice — May 6 against Ponce and May 14 at Santurce. Nowell’s season high came April 26 at Arecibo, when he scored 36 points in 31 minutes.

Recent form

Bayamon has won four of its past six games, with the lone losses coming against San German (94-71) and Guaynabo (90-80). The Vaqueros have been strong on the road, winning seven of their past 10 away games.

Carolina has won five of its past seven games. The Giants are 6-4 at home this season.

In Carolina’s Monday win, George Conditt recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, while Tremont Waters added 23 points and eight assists.

Thursday’s game is the first of two meetings between the teams in a two-week span. Carolina is scheduled to visit Bayamon on June 3.