MINSK, Belarus (Interstat) — Tsmoki-Minsk and Borisfen Mogilev, two teams separated by a single game in the Belarusian BPL standings, meet Monday at Minsk Arena in a pivotal late-season clash. Tsmoki-Minsk (26-10) holds a slight edge over Borisfen Mogilev (26-11) in the loss column, making the outcome critical for playoff positioning.

The home team enters on a high after securing an 82-77 victory at Borisfen Mogilev on Friday, May 15. That win snapped a two-game skid against its rival and evened the season series at 4-4 with two meetings remaining. Tsmoki-Minsk point guard Pavel Rabushko led the way in that contest with 19 points, five rebounds and an assist in 25 minutes. The 6-foot-1 playmaker has been inconsistent against Borisfen this season, scoring 19, nine, four and two points in their four most recent matchups, but his ability to penetrate and distribute will be key.

Borisfen Mogilev will counter with forward Vlad Mikulski, who erupted for 24 points on 10-of-16 shooting in Friday’s loss, adding three rebounds and three assists. The 6-foot-7 Mikulski has averaged 13.8 points and 6.5 rebounds in the four head-to-head games this month, including a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double in a 77-71 win on May 5. His versatility on the wing poses a matchup problem for Tsmoki-Minsk’s defense.

The series has been fiercely contested. Since Oct. 17, the teams have split 10 meetings, with Tsmoki-Minsk winning six and Borisfen Mogilev four. The home team has held a slight advantage, winning five of the last eight at Minsk Arena. Tsmoki-Minsk’s backcourt depth, featuring guards Maxim Moskalchuk and David Mukete, who combined for 26 points and 12 assists on Friday, gives it an edge in transition.

Borisfen Mogilev, meanwhile, relies on interior scoring from center Vadim Fedkin (19 points, eight rebounds on May 15) and forward Lev Kuzmenko. The visitors will need to limit turnovers and contain Rabushko’s drives to stay competitive.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Tsmoki-Minsk holds a 77 percent probability to win. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. local time.