BRUSQUE, Brazil (Interstat) — Franca, the NBB’s top team, visits Botafogo on Saturday at Arena Brusque, looking to extend its dominance over a struggling opponent.

Franca (38-10) carries a 10-1 record in its past 11 games, including a 94-68 rout of Botafogo on Wednesday. Lucas Dias Silva, the NBB Most Valuable Player candidate, posted 24 points, 14 rebounds and four assists in that win. Over his past nine games, Silva has averaged 19.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists, shooting 52% from the field. He has scored at least 14 points in eight of those contests.

Botafogo (10-24) has lost four straight and 11 of its past 12. The lone bright spot has been guard Matheus Brito, who scored 21 points against Franca on Wednesday and erupted for 50 points, five rebounds and eight assists against Flamengo on April 11. However, Brito has been inconsistent, scoring single digits in two of his past five outings.

Franca won the previous meeting this season, 88-66 at Botafogo on Feb. 17. The defending NBB champions have won three consecutive games overall and seven of their past eight on the road.

Franca’s balanced attack also features point guard Juan Laterza, who had 14 points, eight rebounds and six assists in Wednesday’s win, and shooting guard Mooch Jackson (23 points, two rebounds). The team averages 90.1 points per game, second in the league.

Botafogo counters with forward Derick Machado Goncalves, who added 15 points and five rebounds against Franca, and center Paulo Henrique Scheuer (11 points, five rebounds). But the team ranks near the bottom of the NBB in defensive efficiency, allowing 90.2 points per contest.

Saturday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. local time.