PUERTO LA CRUZ, Venezuela (Interstat) — The top team in the Venezuelan SLB visits a familiar opponent Thursday when the Zulia Gaiteros face the Anzoátegui Marinos at Luis Ramos de Puerto La Cruz.

Zulia (25-8) holds the league’s best record but has struggled recently against the Marinos, splitting six meetings this season. The Gaiteros snapped a three-game slide against Anzoátegui with a 79-75 win Tuesday, their first victory over the Marinos since May 6.

Anzoátegui (20-12) remains near the top of the standings despite Tuesday’s loss. The Marinos had won three consecutive games against Zulia before that defeat, including a 76-68 victory Monday and a 76-66 win on May 29. Five of the past six meetings between the clubs have been decided by single digits, with four games decided by four points or fewer.

Zulia guard Micheal Warren has been a focal point in the series. The shooting guard averaged 17 points in the past two games against Anzoátegui, logging 17 points and eight rebounds in Tuesday’s win and 17 points with three rebounds in Monday’s loss. Over his past 10 games, Warren has scored in double figures eight times, though he was limited to four points on May 24 in a blowout win over Maracaibo.

Anzoátegui counters with center Malik Dime, who posted a double-double in Tuesday’s loss with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Dime recorded 10 points and 10 rebounds in a win at Zulia on May 29 and added 13 points and eight boards in Monday’s victory. The 6-foot-9 big man has been a force on the glass, pulling down at least eight rebounds in seven consecutive games.

The Marinos lean on a deep rotation. Guard Juan Miguel Suero contributed 15 points and seven rebounds in Tuesday’s game, while guard Gregory Vargas chipped in nine points and three assists. Zulia also gets production from guard Luis Duarte, who had 14 points and nine rebounds in Tuesday’s win, and forward Nahziah Carter, who scored a team-high 24 points in that game.

Anzoátegui will look to reclaim home-court advantage after dropping the series opener at Luis Ramos. The Marinos are 11-4 at home this season. Zulia owns a 12-3 road record entering Thursday’s contest.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time.