MAINE vs. HARTFORD

Time, site: Friday, 7 p.m.; The Sports Center, W. Hartford, Conn.

Records: Maine 12-10 (9-5); Hartford 4-18 (4-10)

Series: Hartford leads 16-9

Key players: Maine – 5-8 G John Gordon (13.7 ppg, 1.6 apg), 6-1 G Casey Arena (11.9 ppg, 6.8 apg, 4.6 rpg, 1.8 spg), 6-3 G Matt Moore (10.7 ppg, 2.3 apg), 6-6 C Greg Logan (9.3 ppg, 10.7 rpg), 6-5 F Ramone Jones (8.6 ppg, 1.7 spg); Hartford – 6-8 C Ryan Howse (15.8 ppg, 7.9 rpg), 6-4 G Mike Richardson (14.9 ppg), 6-1 G Justin Bailey (11.3 ppg), 5-10 G Michael Griffin (7.5 ppg, 5.4 apg), 6-3 G Keith Bike (7.3 ppg, 3.2 apg).

Outlook: The Black Bears are looking to regroup after dropping three of their last four outings. Maine’s motivation comes in its quest to finish second or third in the North Atlantic Conference standings. The Hawks have struggled, but snapped a seven-game losing streak Saturday with a win over Northeastern. Hartford is only 3-7 on its home court this season. The Bears need to re-establish their offensive continuity, which is best achieved through full-court pressure and dominant rebounding. Maine looks to Arena to orchestrate its half-court game, which has been stagnant of late. Hartford has the league’s worst defense, allowing 83.4 ppg. Injuries are a factor, as Gordon has been bothered of late by a sore right shoulder and Chris Collins is doubtful with an ankle injury.