PUERTO LA CRUZ, Venezuela (Interstat) — The Guaiqueries of Margarita visit the Marinos of Anzoátegui on Thursday night at Luis Ramos de Puerto La Cruz in a pivotal Superliga de Baloncesto (SLB) matchup.

Margarita (24-17) enters riding the momentum of an 81-70 victory over Anzoátegui on Tuesday, snapping a three-game losing streak. Anzoátegui (24-13) has won three of the last four meetings between the clubs, but dropped the most recent contest at home. The Marinos hold a 3-1 edge in the season series, though the teams have split the last four games.

Forward Nahziah Carter has been a key catalyst for the Guaiqueries. In Tuesday’s win, Carter posted 25 points, six rebounds and one assist in 29 minutes, his second 25-point performance against Anzoátegui this June. Over his last four games against the Marinos, Carter has averaged 12.3 points. He scored 11 in an 80-79 loss on June 15 and 12 in a 71-68 defeat on June 11.

Anzoátegui’s Luis Duarte is a player to watch for the Marinos. Duarte recorded 13 points and six rebounds in Tuesday’s loss, matching his season best against Margarita. He had a quiet night in the June 15 win, finishing with four points, but contributed six points and five rebounds in a 71-68 victory on June 11.

The Guaiqueries have had recent success against Anzoátegui at Luis Ramos, winning the last meeting there. However, the Marinos are 2-1 at home in the series this season, with wins on June 15 and a 71-70 triumph in Margarita on June 12.

Margarita has won five of its last six games overall, including a sweep of Caracas in early June. Anzoátegui has alternated wins and losses over its past six contests. Tipoff is scheduled for Thursday night.