Preview: Duquesne Visits Loyola Chicago in Atlantic 10 Matchup

CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Duquesne Dukes look to get back to .500 in conference play when they visit the struggling Loyola Chicago Ramblers in an Atlantic 10 men’s basketball game Saturday at Joseph Gentile Center.

Duquesne (10-9) enters having lost four of its last five, including a 77-81 home loss to Saint Louis on Tuesday. The Dukes have shown offensive firepower but have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 82.6 points in their last five defeats.

Loyola Chicago (5-15) seeks to end a six-game losing streak, its most recent a 70-84 defeat at Saint Bonaventure. The Ramblers have been outscored by an average of 19.2 points during the skid.

A key matchup will feature Duquesne guard Jimmie Williams against Loyola Chicago forward Miles Rubin. Williams is coming off a 28-point, 5-assist performance against Saint Louis and has averaged 19.9 points over his last seven games. Rubin provides a defensive presence for the Ramblers, averaging 3.1 blocks over his last seven contests while contributing 10.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in that span.

Duquesne’s offense runs through Williams, who has played at least 32 minutes in six of the last seven games. Tarence Guinyard (14 points vs. Saint Louis) and David Dixon provide supporting scoring. The Dukes have proven capable on the road, with a 2-2 record in true road games since Dec. 30.

Loyola Chicago will rely on Rubin’s interior defense and scoring from Joshua Ola-Joseph, who had 20 points against Saint Bonaventure. The Ramblers have won only one game since Dec. 31 and rank near the bottom of the A-10 in several statistical categories.

The Dukes won both meetings last season. Saturday’s contest begins a critical stretch for both teams navigating the conference schedule.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon.