VARNA, Bulgaria (Interstat) — A stark contrast in the Bulgarian NBL standings will be on display Thursday when the surging Euroins Cherno More hosts struggling Beroe Stara Zagora at Congress Hall.

Cherno More (20-8) enters the matchup firmly among the league’s elite, having won six of its last eight games. Its most recent outing was a dominant 103-89 victory over Minyor on April 10, powered by a 27-point performance from forward Lamont West. The import has been a consistent force, averaging 18.3 points and 6.3 rebounds over his last six contests.

Beroe (11-17), sitting near the bottom of the table, is looking to build on a rare bright spot: a 92-76 home win over Levski Sofia last Friday. In that game, forward Daylen Williams posted 15 points, six rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Williams, the team’s focal point, has recorded a double-double in one of his last six games and will need a comprehensive effort to challenge the favored hosts.

The recent history between the teams favors Cherno More, but only narrowly. The sides have split their last 10 meetings, with the last two being decided by a single possession. Cherno More escaped with an 86-84 win in Stara Zagora on Feb. 8, and needed overtime to secure a 96-90 home victory last November.

For Beroe, containing West and Cherno More’s efficient offense, which has topped 100 points three times in the last month, will be the primary challenge. Beyond Williams, production from center Brett Reed and guard Darius Quisenberry, who combined for 37 points in the win over Levski, is crucial.

Cherno More, meanwhile, will rely on its backcourt dynamism, exemplified by guard Jelani Watson-Gayle’s 14-assist performance last week, to exploit a Beroe defense that has allowed an average of 89.5 points in its last six games.

Tipoff is set for Thursday evening in Varna. Beroe’s next game is Sunday at home against Balkan, while Cherno More’s next scheduled contest is at Shumen on April 25.