BAURU (Interstat) — Minas will put its perfect season record on the line Thursday when it visits Bauru at Ginasio Panela de Pressao in Bauru, Brazil. Minas enters at 5-0, while Bauru is 2-3.

Minas has opened the season with a string of double-digit victories and most recently earned an 87-76 win at Franca. Elyjah Clark led the way with 22 points, four assists, two rebounds and one block in 33 minutes. Wesley added 11 points and seven rebounds, and Santiago Scala scored 14 points with three rebounds and three assists.

Clark has been a consistent offensive force for Minas during the unbeaten start. He scored 16 points with three rebounds and three assists against Pato, produced 19 points, three rebounds and five assists at Uniao Corinthians, and added nine points, one rebound and two assists at Caxias do Sul. His ability to score from the perimeter and create for teammates will be a central concern for Bauru’s defense.

Minas also has wins over UNICEUB, Pato Basquete, Uniao Corinthians and Caxias do Sul this season. The visiting side has been efficient at both ends and will try to keep Bauru from finding rhythm early.

Bauru enters after a 78-74 home loss to Cruzeiro. Anthony Harris scored 24 points and grabbed four rebounds in that game, while Cordero Bennett added 12 points, four rebounds and four assists. Fermin Thygesen contributed six points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

Harris has been Bauru’s top scoring option in recent games. He had 14 points and five rebounds against Mogi, 20 points and five rebounds against Sao Jose, and 24 points, five rebounds and three assists at Flamengo. Bauru has shown the ability to compete against quality opponents, but consistency has been an issue during a 2-3 start.

Bauru’s other results this season include a loss at Paulistano, a home loss to Mogi das Cruzes, a home win over Sao Jose and a road win at Flamengo. The home side will need a strong defensive effort to slow Minas and limit Clark’s touches. The matchup will test Bauru’s defense against a Minas offense that has produced at least 78 points in every game this season.

Minas will look to maintain its unbeaten start before returning home for upcoming games against Paraiba and Cearense. Bauru will aim to rebound from its recent loss and protect its home court.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of Minas 90, Bauru 82. Minas has been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -5.5, and the over/under is 163.5.