BREST (Interstat) — Grodno will look to maintain its edge over winless Brest when the teams meet Saturday at Victoria Sports Complex in Brest, Belarus.

Grodno enters with a 7-5 record and has won both meetings between the teams this season. The most recent matchup ended with Grodno beating Brest 65-56. Earlier, Grodno earned an 89-71 victory at Brest. Grodno also has recent wins over Minsk and Rubon Vitebsk, including a 78-77 overtime decision in its most recent game. That result followed an 83-70 road win at Minsk. Grodno’s season has included some uneven performances, but the team has remained competitive and sits above .500 as it prepares for another road test. The visiting side will try to control the pace and take advantage of a Brest team still seeking its first victory.

Brest is 0-6 and comes off an 87-61 loss to Gocor-Sozh Gomel in its most recent game. Brest has struggled to generate consistent offense during the early part of the season, and recent results include a 67-58 loss to Borisfen Mogilev and a 91-72 loss at Minsk. Brest also dropped a 65-56 decision at Grodno in the most recent head-to-head meeting and lost 89-71 at home to Grodno earlier in the season. The home team will need a stronger defensive effort and more efficient scoring to compete with Grodno. Brest’s best chance may come from slowing the game and keeping the contest close into the fourth quarter.

Grodno has shown the ability to score in bunches, with recent outputs including 83 points at Minsk and 90 points in an overtime win over Minsk. The team also posted an 88-63 win over Gocor-Sozh Gomel. But Grodno has dealt with inconsistency, including a 104-48 loss at Minsk and an 85-49 loss at Borisfen Mogilev. Those results suggest the visitors are capable of a strong performance but can also be vulnerable when their offense stalls. Against Brest, Grodno will aim to establish an early lead and avoid giving the home side confidence.

Brest’s schedule has been difficult, with losses to several stronger opponents. The home side has yet to score more than 80 points in a game this season and will need to improve its shooting to stay within reach. Grodno, meanwhile, has scored at least 70 points in several games and will try to push the tempo. The matchup features a Grodno team with a winning record against a Brest squad searching for momentum. The game Saturday is set for Victoria Sports Complex, where Brest will try to end its losing streak and secure its first win of the season.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of Brest 48, Grodno 45.