Preview of Wednesday’s Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Game

NEW YORK (Interstat) — Two Atlantic 10 teams heading in opposite directions will meet Wednesday night when the Fordham Rams host the La Salle Explorers at Rose Hill Gym.

Fordham (10-10, 2-5 A-10) looks to halt a three-game skid and get back to .500 in conference play, while La Salle (7-13, 3-4 A-10) aims to build on a surprising two-game winning streak that included an upset of league contender Dayton.

The Rams have struggled offensively during their losing streak, averaging just 60.7 points in losses to Davidson, Duquesne and Saint Louis. They will lean on guard DeJour Reaves, who has been a consistent bright spot. Reaves is averaging 20.1 points over his last seven games, including a 31-point, 6-assist effort in a win at Saint Bonaventure on Jan. 10.

La Salle’s recent resurgence has been fueled by the hot hand of Jaeden Marshall. The guard is averaging 21.5 points over his last six contests, erupting for 25 points in the win over Dayton and 23 in a victory over Saint Bonaventure last week. The Explorers’ defense, which held Dayton to 64 points, will be tested by Reaves and the Rams’ backcourt.

Despite their record, the Explorers have shown improved form in January, going 3-3 in their last six A-10 games after a difficult non-conference slate. Fordham, after a strong start, has lost five of its last six conference matchups.

The venue may provide an edge for the Rams, who are 8-3 at home this season. La Salle is 1-8 in true road games.

These teams will meet again in the regular-season finale on March 4 in Philadelphia. Wednesday’s contest is critical for both as they seek to improve their positioning for the upcoming Atlantic 10 tournament.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.