OLIVA, Argentina (Interstat) — Independiente will aim to build on its strong start to the season when it hosts Ferro Carril Oeste on Thursday in basketball action.

Independiente enters the matchup with a 2-1 record, while Ferro Carril Oeste is 0-1. The home side has won two of its first three games and will try to bounce back from a loss to Mogi das Cruzes. Independiente’s victories this season came against Olimpia Kings and Importadora Alvarado.

Andriy Grytsak is a player to watch for Independiente. Grytsak recorded six points, six rebounds and three assists in the loss to Mogi das Cruzes, after contributing one point and one rebound in the win over Olimpia Kings. Agustin Caffaro and M. Guerrero J. also were productive in the latest game for Independiente. The team will look for Grytsak to set the tone on both ends of the court.

Ferro Carril Oeste is seeking its first win of the season. In its most recent outing, Ferro Carril Oeste fell to Argentino de Junin 79-68. Emiliano Lezcano, L. Bettiga and Kevin Hernandez were the most productive players for Ferro Carril Oeste in that game. The visiting team will need a stronger offensive performance to keep pace with Independiente.

Independiente has shown balanced scoring in its early games. The team scored 101 points in its win over Olimpia Kings and 85 points in its victory over Importadora Alvarado. Its defense has had mixed results, holding Importadora Alvarado to 60 points but allowing Mogi das Cruzes to score 87. Ferro Carril Oeste, meanwhile, allowed 79 points in its only game this season and scored 68.

The matchup features two teams at different points in the early season. Independiente has already played three games and found some rhythm, while Ferro Carril Oeste is still searching for consistency after one contest. Independiente will rely on Grytsak and its deeper rotation to control the tempo at home. Ferro Carril Oeste will look to Lezcano, Bettiga and Hernandez to provide leadership and production.

Ferro Carril Oeste’s schedule will continue after this game, while Independiente also has a busy stretch ahead. Independiente’s upcoming slate includes games against Lanus, La Union and Obera, while Ferro Carril Oeste is set to face Instituto Cordoba and Atenas. Both teams will return to league play after this matchup. But the focus for both sides will be on Thursday, with Independiente trying to protect its home court and Ferro Carril Oeste trying to secure its first victory.

The Interstat game simulator projects a final score of Independiente 83, Ferro Carril Oeste 77.