Preview: Davidson Wildcats at Richmond Spiders

RICHMOND, Va. (Interstat) — Two Atlantic 10 men’s basketball teams looking to steady their conference trajectories will meet Saturday when the Davidson Wildcats visit the Richmond Spiders at Robins Center.

Davidson (12-8) arrives after a low-output 52-60 road loss at George Mason on Wednesday. The Wildcats have lost two straight and three of their last five, with their offense showing volatility. They were held under 70 points in all three of those recent losses but scored 84 and 79 in wins over George Washington and Loyola Chicago earlier this month.

Richmond (13-9) seeks to end a four-game skid, its longest of the season. The Spiders’ most recent defeat was a 69-77 loss at crosstown rival VCU on Tuesday. During their losing streak, Richmond has struggled defensively, allowing an average of 79.8 points per game.

A key matchup will feature two of the conference’s backcourt scoring threats. Davidson’s Roberts Blums, coming off a 16-point effort in 29 minutes against George Mason, has been a bright spot. He averaged 17.3 points over a three-game stretch from Jan. 14-21, including a 21-point performance in the win at George Washington.

For Richmond, guard AJ Lopez has shouldered the scoring load. He logged 35 minutes and scored 17 points in the loss at VCU and is averaging 16.4 points over his last five contests. His consistency will be crucial for a Spiders offense that has faltered late in close games, including a one-point loss to Rhode Island on Jan. 21.

The Wildcats lead the all-time series 19-13, but the Spiders won both meetings last season. This contest begins a pivotal stretch for both squads ahead of the Atlantic 10 tournament. Davidson will look to improve its road record in conference play, while Richmond aims to defend its home court and reverse its recent fortunes.

Saturday’s winner will gain a valuable conference victory and momentum before the February schedule intensifies. The teams are scheduled to meet again in Davidson on Wednesday, Feb. 18.

Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. EST at the Robins Center.