LA ASUNCIÓN, Venezuela (Interstat) — The Guaiqueries of Margarita will host the Trotamundos of Carabobo on Sunday at Gimnasio Ciudad de la Asunción in a Venezuelan Superliga de Baloncesto clash between two teams separated by one game in the standings.

Margarita enters with an 18-11 record, sitting just ahead of Carabobo at 17-12. The home team has won three of the last seven meetings between the clubs, but the series has been tightly contested recently. In their most recent matchup Thursday, Margarita defeated Carabobo 75-64 on the road, snapping a two-game losing streak against the Trotamundos.

Pedro Chourio, a guard for Margarita, has been a key contributor. In Thursday’s win, he logged 28 minutes, scoring 16 points with six rebounds and two assists. Over his last four games against Carabobo, Chourio has averaged 10 points and 5.3 rebounds per contest, though he struggled in an 8-point, 4-rebound effort in a 73-56 loss on May 18.

Carabobo will lean on forward Yohanner Sifontes, who erupted for 22 points and five rebounds in Thursday’s loss. Sifontes has been inconsistent against Margarita this season: he scored five points in a 67-63 win May 19 and nine points in a 73-56 victory May 18. However, he has averaged 11.5 points over his last four games against the Guaiqueries.

Both teams have shown streaky form. Carabobo has alternated wins and losses in its last six games, including a 76-74 home loss to Portuguesa on May 4. Margarita has lost four of its last six, with defeats to Avila (84-80) on May 6 and Anzoátegui (70-58) on May 3, but bounced back with Thursday’s victory.

The game tips off at an undetermined time Sunday. Margarita’s home-court advantage at Gimnasio Ciudad de la Asunción could prove decisive. The Guaiqueries are 10-5 at home this season, while Carabobo is 8-7 on the road.

Other contributors for Margarita include guard Gelvis Solano, who posted eight points, six rebounds and nine assists Thursday, and forward Juan Guerrero, who added 16 points. For Carabobo, guard Eric Romero recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds in the same game, and forward Ricky Ledo chipped in 10 points.

Sunday’s contest marks the eighth meeting between the teams this season. Margarita leads the season series 4-3 after seven games. The winner will gain a crucial edge in the tightly packed SLB standings with the regular season winding down.