LA ASUNCIÓN, Venezuela (Interstat) — The Venezuelan SLB regular season continues Thursday as the Guaiqueries de Margarita host the Marinos de Anzoátegui at Gimnasio Ciudad de la Asuncion.

Margarita (22-14) enters the 7:30 p.m. local time contest having dropped a 64-61 decision at Caracas on Saturday, while Anzoátegui (21-12) comes off a 79-77 home win over Zulia on Thursday.

The teams split their two previous meetings this season. Margarita won 99-77 at Anzoátegui on March 15, and Anzoátegui claimed a 70-58 victory at Margarita on May 3.

Margarita will rely on guard Pedro Chourio, who averaged 15.8 points over his last five games. In Saturday’s loss, Chourio posted 15 points, nine rebounds and two assists in 25 minutes. He earlier scored 19 points in consecutive wins over Caracas on May 31 and June 1.

Anzoátegui counters with center Malik Dime, who has produced six double-doubles in his past nine outings. In the win over Zulia, Dime logged 35 minutes and finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. He also grabbed 20 rebounds against Caracas Spartans on May 21.

Both teams enter the matchup with momentum. Anzoátegui has won seven of its past eight games, including four consecutive road victories. Margarita has won three of its last four and is 5-2 at home this season.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. local time.