CARACAS, Venezuela (Interstat) — The Caracas Cocodrilos face the Margarita Guaiqueries on Saturday in a pivotal Superliga de Baloncesto (SLB) clash at Gimnasio Jose Beracasa.

Caracas enters with a league-best 24-9 record, while Margarita sits at 22-13. The Cocodrilos hold a 2-1 edge in the season series at home, but the Guaiqueries have won three straight meetings — all in Margarita — by an average of 12.3 points. The most recent was a 71-64 victory Wednesday, powered by forward Juan Guerrero’s 15-point, 11-rebound double-double.

Guerrero has been a menace for Margarita in recent matchups. Over his last three games against Caracas, the power forward averaged 21.3 points and 7 rebounds, including a 30-point, 5-rebound outburst in an 84-69 win May 31 and a 19-point, 5-rebound effort June 1. He also logged 10 points and 6 rebounds in a 76-63 loss at Caracas on May 28.

For Caracas, guard Luis Montero has been a consistent force, especially at home. In two May victories over Margarita, Montero averaged 14 points and 14.5 rebounds. In Wednesday’s loss, he posted 11 points and 10 rebounds. Montero also recorded a 23-point, 16-rebound double-double in a 76-63 win May 28 and had 5 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists in an 80-68 victory May 27.

Caracas will look to reassert itself on its home floor after dropping three straight on the road. The Cocodrilos’ last home win over Margarita was an 80-68 decision May 27. Caracas also won 91-82 at home April 15.

Margarita, meanwhile, has won five of its last six games overall, including a 72-67 victory over Carabobo on May 15. The Guaiqueries have relied on balanced scoring from guards Pedro Chourio and Gelvis Solano. Chourio had 14 points and 8 rebounds in Wednesday’s win, while Solano added 12 points and 5 assists.

Saturday’s game marks the sixth meeting between the teams this season, with Margarita holding a 3-2 series lead. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. local time.