PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — A key early Atlantic 10 women’s basketball matchup features two of the conference’s hottest teams when Rhode Island visits Saint Joseph’s on Wednesday night. The Rams (6-2) and Hawks (6-1) meet at Hagan Arena with both coming off narrow losses to strong regional opponents. Rhode Island fell 67-59 to Princeton on Nov. 26, despite 19 points from Brooklyn Gray. Saint Joseph’s edged Drexel 57-55 on Nov. 29, led by Gabby Casey’s 16 points. Rhode Island’s record includes a notable 68-63 road win at North Carolina State. Saint Joseph’s signature victory is a 70-65 home win over Cincinnati. Both teams have defended their home courts well, with each suffering their only loss at home to a power conference opponent. The Rams are paced by Gray, who averages a team-high 19 points. The Hawks counter with a balanced attack featuring Casey and guard Rhian Stokes. Wednesday’s contest opens the conference schedule for both teams and could provide early momentum in the A-10 race.