DAVIDSON, N.C. (Interstat) — A critical late-season Atlantic 10 clash with postseason implications is set for Wednesday when the Davidson Wildcats host the Saint Joseph’s Hawks at Belk Arena.

Both teams enter March with momentum, each having won their last two games. Saint Joseph’s (19-10, 11-5 A-10) sits just a half-game ahead of Davidson (18-11, 10-5 A-10) in the conference standings, making this a pivotal matchup for seeding in the upcoming conference tournament.

The Hawks are powered by guard Derek Simpson, who is playing at an elite level. Over his last eight games, Simpson is averaging 16.4 points and 5.9 assists, including a 23-point, 8-assist performance in a win over George Mason and a triple-double (11 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds) against Loyola Chicago. In Saint Joseph’s most recent win at Rhode Island, Simpson logged 37 minutes with 13 points and five assists.

Davidson counters with its own standout guard in Devin Brown, who is coming off a 13-point effort in a win over La Salle. The Wildcats have found success recently with a balanced attack; in that same game, Roberts Blums scored 17 points and Josh Scovens added 16.

History favors the Wildcats, who won the season’s first meeting 62-56 in Philadelphia on Jan. 3. Saint Joseph’s will look to avenge that loss and complete a strong road stretch, having won at Saint Bonaventure and Rhode Island in its last two away games.

Davidson has been strong at home in conference play, with its last loss at Belk Arena coming against Saint Louis on Feb. 3. The Wildcats’ defense will be tested by Simpson and a Hawks offense that has scored 75 or more points in four of its last six victories.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. The winner will secure a valuable quadrant-two victory and a stronger resume ahead of the A-10 tournament. Saint Joseph’s hosts La Salle on Saturday, while Davidson travels to Saint Bonaventure.