MAINE vs. NORTHEASTERN

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

Records: Maine 4-7 (2-0 America East); Northeastern 3-7 (1-1)

Series: Maine leads 18-14

Key players: Maine – 5-9 G Cindy Blodgett (21.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.0 apg, 2.6 spg), 6-4 F Jamie Cassidy (13.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg), 6-4 C Stacey Porrini (7.9 ppg, 8.1 rpg), 5-9 G Sandi Carver (4.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg), 5-7 G Amy Vachon (4.2 ppg, 4.2 apg, 2.1 spg); Northeastern – 5-6 G Tesha Tinsley (19.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.4 spg), 6-1 C Betsy Palecek (11.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.2 spg), 6-0 F Amanda Herzog (8.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg), 5-10 F Wanda Almengot (5.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg), 5-8 G Sue Bright (4.1 ppg).

Outlook: The Bears, who have lost two in a row for the first time in two years, return home primed to begin their quest for a third straight America East championship. Northeastern is inexperienced, with no seniors and three freshman starters. Tinsley ranks among the league leaders in scoring and steals. Maine continues to search for the chemistry that has allowed it to dominate the league in recent years. Cassidy has emerged as a frontcourt force, but Maine has yet to establish a third consistent scoring threat to join Cassidy and Blodgett. Northeastern has lost three in a row and is coming off Sunday’s 76-54 loss to Oklahoma. Joy Malchodi’s Huskies lead the league in field-goal percentage (.442).