MARACAIBO, Venezuela (Interstat) — The top-seeded Zulia Gaiteros host Anzoátegui Marinos in Game 2 of their Venezuelan SuperLiga playoff series Friday night at Gimnasio Pedro Elias Belisario Aponte.

Zulia owns the league’s best record at 24-5, while Anzoátegui enters at 17-11. The Gaiteros swept the regular-season series, winning 78-77 at Anzoátegui on May 6 and 90-82 at home on April 6. The series opened Thursday night in Maracaibo; the outcome was not immediately available.

Zulia comes off a 100-76 rout of Maracaibo on May 24, with Nahziah Carter scoring 26 points and grabbing seven rebounds. The forward has been a consistent force, averaging 20.3 points over his last four games. In the May 6 win against Anzoátegui, Carter posted 17 points, five rebounds and three assists.

Anzoátegui, meanwhile, last played May 21, an 86-84 victory over the Caracas Spartans. Center Malik Dime was a double-double machine, collecting 16 points and 20 rebounds. Dime’s recent performances include double-doubles in four of his last six games, and he had 10 points and 12 rebounds in the May 6 loss to Zulia.

Friday’s game is critical for both sides. For Anzoátegui, containing Carter will be a priority. The Marinos also need production from guards K.J. McDaniels and Gregory Vargas, who combined for 35 points in the win over Caracas.

Zulia will lean on Carter’s scoring and the playmaking of point guard Jesse Zarzuela, who had 26 points and five assists in the May 24 victory. Luis Duarte adds frontcourt depth with 12 points and six rebounds in that game.

The Gaiteros’ depth and home-court advantage make them favorites, but Anzoátegui’s Dime poses a threat on the boards. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time.