MAINE vs. RHODE ISLAND

Time, site: Sunday, 1 p.m.; Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland

Records: Maine 3-4; Rhode Island 2-4

Series: Rhode Island leads 9-5

Key players: Maine – 5-9 G Cindy Blodgett (22.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.1 spg), 6-4 F Jamie Cassidy (11.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg), 6-4 C Stacey Porrini (7.0 ppg, 7.4 rpg), 5-9 G Sandi Carver (6.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg), 5-7 G Amy Vachon (3.3 ppg, 4.4 apg, 2.0 spg); Rhode Island – 5-10 F Tasha King (20.0 ppg, 6.8 rpg), 6-0 F Jaime Gray (14.7 ppg, 9.5 rpg), 5-9 G Dena Cocchiola (10.5 ppg, 4.7 apg), 5-11 G Tanya Hvizdak (5.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg).

Outlook: The Black Bears take their show to southern Maine for a non-conference clash against the Rams of the Atlantic 10. More than 4,000 fans are expected. UMaine, coming off a 73-66 loss to No. 11 Western Kentucky, continues to search for continuity and intensity. Rhode Island, an NCAA Tournament team last season, has lost three straight, all at home. Vermont beat the Rams 69-67 last weekend. King, an All-America candidate, is a 3-point threat and URI’s offensive catalyst. The teams have a common opponent in Brown. Maine won 82-68 and the Rams beat Brown 77-72. Depth may be a concern for Rhode Island as three Rams are averaging 36 minutes or more per game. URI center Erin Fuller has been sidelined for three games with a foot injury.