ISTANBUL (Interstat) — A clash of teams on opposite trajectories will highlight Turkey A women’s professional basketball action Saturday when the surging Istanbul GSK hosts a struggling Yalova squad.

The game is scheduled for April 4 in Istanbul.

Istanbul GSK (17-5) enters as one of the league’s top sides, despite coming off a rare 72-82 road loss to Samsun Ihtisas on March 28. Prior to that, they had won five of their last six, including decisive victories over Secil Kaucuk Mersin (76-55) and Bodrum (92-63). Their success has been built on a balanced attack and stout defense, holding opponents to an average of 66.5 points over their last four outings.

They will lean on guard Doniyah Cliney, who is coming off a stellar 25-point, 10-rebound, 5-assist performance in the loss to Samsun. Center Sasha Goodlett, who posted a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double in that same game, provides a formidable interior presence.

Yalova (9-13) looks to halt a three-game skid, most recently a 79-99 defeat at Turgutlu on March 22. Their season has been marked by inconsistency, though they secured a notable 86-51 win over Secil Kaucuk Mersin in late January. The team’s fortunes often rest on the shoulders of forward Chantae Embry, who is in the midst of a dominant individual stretch. Embry averaged 21 points and 13 rebounds over her last two games, including a 25-point, 14-rebound, 8-assist effort in the loss to Turgutlu.

The previous meeting this season favors the hosts; Istanbul GSK edged Yalova 73-68 on Dec. 14. Containing Embry will be a primary focus for Istanbul GSK’s defense, while Yalova must find an answer for Istanbul’s multifaceted scoring and rebounding strength to spring an upset on the road.

Following this matchup, Istanbul GSK will visit Fenerbahce II on April 11. Yalova will host Bursa Uludag on the same date.