MAINE vs. BUFFALO

Time, site: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.; Alumni Arena, Buffalo, N.Y.

Records: Maine 3-2, Buffalo 5-2

Key players: Maine – 5-9 G Erin Grealy (11.4 ppg), 5-11 F Catherine Gallant (6.8 ppg), 6-0 F Rita Sullivan (4.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg), 5-7 G Chrissy Strong (3.6 ppg, 4.6 apg), 6-0 F Stephanie Guidi (10.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg), 5-7 G Seana Dionne (6.4 ppg, 2.4 apg) apg); Buffalo – 5-9 G/F Brooke Smith (12.1 ppg, 9.9 rpg), 5-7 G Natosha Cummings (11.4 ppg), 5-9 G Nadine Mastroleo (11.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg),Doty (9.3 ppg), 6-2 C Kris Holtz (2.7 ppg)

Outlook: Coach Joanne Palombo’s Black Bears embark on a testy string of 10 games that includes eight on the road. Maine has been idle since a 90-31 win over Chicago State on Dec. 12. The Royals of Coach Sal Biscaglia had a three-game win streak snapped with a 77-61 loss to Niagara on Dec. 18. Maine, which has tried to frustrate opponents with pressure defense, goes up against a Buffalo squad that also likes to press. The Royals have made 111 steals in seven games (15.9 spg) and their opponents have committed 27.7 turnovers per outing. Buffalo features good overall quickness and scoring balance and likes to shoot the 3-pointer, having made 35 of 109 attempts. Maine sophomore guard Stacia Rustad is doubtful as she recovers from a stress fracture in her right foot. It will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs. In fact, the Bears have never faced any of their next four opponents.