Preview: Loyola Chicago Ramblers at Duquesne Dukes PITTSBURGH (Interstat) — Two Atlantic 10 Conference women’s basketball teams on divergent paths will meet Wednesday afternoon when the Loyola Chicago Ramblers visit the Duquesne Dukes at A.J. Palumbo Center. The Ramblers (12-11) enter with momentum, having won five of their last six games. Their most recent victory was a 66-55 decision over VCU on Saturday. Loyola Chicago’s surge has been fueled by guard Alexus Mobley, who is averaging 16.1 points over her last seven contests. She scored 23 points with five rebounds in the win over VCU. Brooklyn Vaughn added a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds in that game. Conversely, the Dukes (7-16) are mired in a nine-game losing streak, though they have been competitive recently. Duquesne fell 72-71 in overtime at Saint Bonaventure on Saturday. Guard Alexis Bordas has been a bright spot, pouring in 25 points in that loss and averaging 16.1 points over her last seven games. Mackenzie Blackford scored a season-high 27 points against the Bonnies. Loyola Chicago’s defense has been key to its turnaround, holding opponents to 55.2 points per game during its 5-1 stretch. Duquesne, which averages 58.2 points per game, will need Bordas and Blackford to generate offense against that pressure. The Ramblers won the season’s first meeting, 71-62, in Chicago on Jan. 10. Mobley led all scorers with 21 points in that game, while Bordas had 15 for Duquesne. For Loyola Chicago, a win would solidify its position in the middle of the conference standings as it pursues a winning season. For Duquesne, breaking its prolonged skid at home is the immediate and urgent objective. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Wednesday. Loyola Chicago hosts Saint Joseph’s next on Saturday. Duquesne travels to face Fordham on Saturday.