MAINE vs. NORTHEASTERN

Time, site: Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Alfond Sports Arena, Orono

Records: Maine 4-14 (2-5 NAC), Northeastern 7-11 (4-3 NAC)

Series: Northeastern leads 13-11

Key players: Maine – F Heather Briggs (12 ppg, 5.8 rpg), F Stephanie Guidi (11.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg), G Stacia Rustad (6.9 ppg), C Rita Sullivan (5.9 ppg), G Chrissy Strong (4.2 ppg, 4.8 apg); Northeastern – G Corinne Jones (17.1 ppg), F Katasha Artis (13.6 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 2.6 bpg), F Cordeila Washington (11 ppg), G Jackie Guidroz (5.5 ppg), C Sherry McClintock (2.9 ppg)

Outlook: Turnovers (23) killed Bears in 45-43 loss on Jan. 30 and Strong was limited to one assist from her point guard spot. Maine will have to execute better than in first meeting, too. Guidi is starting to play with early season form which had her as team’s high-scorer for a while. Strong and Sullivan are also becoming bigger part of Maine offense, a trend that must continue. NU’s Artis has been NAC Rookie of the Week two of last three weeks. She scored 14 vs. Bears. Huskies only went seven deep in first meeting, so Bears, playing at home, will look to press and push the ball.