CHICAGO (Interstat) — A surging Dayton team looks to continue its strong start to the season when it visits a struggling Loyola Chicago squad in an Atlantic 10 Conference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at Joseph Gentile Center.

The Flyers (10-3) enter conference play with momentum, having won three of their last four, including a 63-56 victory over Fordham on Wednesday. The Ramblers (5-9) snapped a two-game skid with a 61-57 road win at Rhode Island on the same day.

Dayton has been led by the versatile play of guard Jordan Derkack. He is coming off a dominant performance against Fordham, posting 15 points and 14 rebounds in 34 minutes. Over his last five games, Derkack is averaging 9.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists. Support comes from guards Javon Bennett and Keonte Jones, who combined for 19 points in the win over Fordham.

Loyola Chicago will counter with guard Justin Moore, who has been a bright spot in a challenging season. Moore scored 19 points with five assists in the win at Rhode Island and is averaging 15.2 points over his last five contests. Forwards Miles Rubin and Xavier Amos provide interior presence, with Rubin adding 12 points and five rebounds in the most recent victory.

The Ramblers’ defense, allowing 75.1 points per game, will be tested by a balanced Dayton offense that averages 77.5 points. Dayton has shown resilience, with three wins by five points or fewer, including an overtime victory over Georgetown.

This game marks the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams, with a rematch scheduled for Jan. 16 in Dayton. The Flyers aim to establish an early conference road win, while the Ramblers seek to build on their recent victory and defend their home court.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon in Chicago.