PUERTO LA CRUZ, Venezuela (Interstat) — The Gaiteros de Zulia, holding the Venezuelan SLB’s best record at 19-3, visit the Marinos de Anzoátegui on Wednesday night at Luis Ramos de Puerto La Cruz.

Zulia (19-3) enters the 7:30 p.m. local time matchup riding a five-game winning streak across all competitions before a 81-78 loss at Caracas on Monday. Guard Luis Duarte has been a consistent force, averaging 12.6 points, 8.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists over his last five games, including an 18-point, eight-rebound, five-assist outing in Monday’s loss. The Gaiteros also boast scoring depth, as guard Jesse Zarzuela dropped 30 points in that same defeat.

Anzoátegui (12-9) has won three of its last four, most recently a 70-58 victory at Margarita on Sunday. Point guard Gregory Vargas led the way with 17 points and four assists in that win. Over his last 10 games, Vargas has averaged 9.1 points and 5.2 assists, providing steady leadership for a Marinos squad seeking consistency.

The teams last met April 6, when Zulia secured a 90-82 home victory.

Interstat’s ELO system gives Zulia a 60.4 percent probability of winning, reflecting the Gaiteros’ dominance this season as they look to rebound from Monday’s setback and maintain their hold atop the league standings.