BUCHAREST, Romania (Interstat) — Bega Timisoara takes a three-game winning streak against Steaua Bucuresti into Friday’s Romanian Divizia A matchup at Arena de Baschet, aiming to solidify its playoff positioning against a home side fighting to reach .500.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. local time.

Bega Timisoara (19-14) enters having won four of its last five games, including an 85-72 home victory over Steaua Bucuresti on May 11. That game marked the third consecutive head-to-head win for Bega this season, following an 84-78 victory in Bucharest on Feb. 1 and a 94-91 overtime win in Timisoara on Oct. 18.

The visiting team is led by center Dejan Bjelic, who has been a consistent presence in the paint. In the May 11 win over Steaua, Bjelic posted 10 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in 23 minutes. Over his past five games, the 6-foot-10 big man has averaged 10.0 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting efficiently. He scored a season-best 19 points in a May 2 win at Phoenix Galati.

Bega also relies on guard Bogic Vujosevic and forward Jalen Nesbitt, who combined for 24 points, five rebounds and 10 assists in the most recent meeting with Steaua.

Steaua Bucuresti (16-17) has struggled with consistency, winning only two of its last five outings. The team is coming off an 85-72 loss at Bega, where center Lorenzo Diaconescu led Steaua with 10 points, nine rebounds and two blocks in 26 minutes. Diaconescu has shown flashes of impact — he poured in 16 points in a 97-77 win at Corona Brasov on May 2 — but has been limited by foul trouble and inconsistent minutes.

Steaua’s backcourt features guard George Vlad, who played 35 minutes in the May 11 loss, scoring 11 points with four rebounds and two assists. Forward Vitalie Balan added 12 points and nine rebounds in that game.

The home team has been streaky at Arena de Baschet, but a win Friday would pull Steaua within one game of .500 for the first time since early March. Bega, meanwhile, sits sixth in the league standings and is looking to build momentum ahead of the postseason.

Friday’s game is the fourth and final regular-season meeting between the two sides. Bega holds a 3-0 lead in the season series.