DAVIDSON, N.C. (Interstat) — A key early Atlantic 10 Conference women’s basketball clash is set for Wednesday night as the surging Saint Joseph’s Hawks visit the Davidson Wildcats at Belk Arena. Saint Joseph’s (11-3, 2-0 A-10) enters on a five-game winning streak, including a dominant 78-49 road victory at Fordham last Saturday. The Hawks have been fueled by a balanced attack and the standout play of guard Gabby Casey. Over her last five games, Casey is averaging 14.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists, coming off a 19-point, 7-rebound, 7-assist performance against the Rams. Davidson (10-5, 2-0) has also started league play perfectly, most recently earning a 71-55 win at Saint Louis. The Wildcats have found a spark from guard Elena Alvarez Castellanos, who scored a season-high 17 points in that victory. Her playmaking will be crucial against a stout Hawks defense that has held its last three opponents to 49 points or fewer. The matchup features two of the conference’s top early contenders. Saint Joseph’s boasts the more impressive overall record, but Davidson has proven formidable at home, including a near-upset of then-Baylor in November. The Wildcats’ schedule has been challenging, with losses to power conference foes North Carolina State, Miami and Baylor by a combined 15 points. Wednesday’s contest is the first of a regular-season series between the teams, who will meet again in Philadelphia on Feb. 1. The winner will gain an early edge in the conference standings and momentum heading into the heart of the A-10 schedule. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.