MAINE vs. VERMONT

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

Records: Maine 10-6 (8-0 America East); Vermont 12-4 (7-1)

Series: Maine leads 30-13

Key players: Maine – 5-9 G Cindy Blodgett (23.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.6 apg, 2.8 spg), 6-4 F Jamie Cassidy (15.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.1 bpg), 6-4 C Stacey Porrini (10.0 ppg, 8.4 rpg), 5-7 G Amy Vachon (5.9 ppg, 4.0 apg, 2.1 spg), 5-9 G Sandi Carver (4.4 ppg, 4.6 apg); Vermont – 6-2 C Alex Lawson (16.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg), 6-0 G Karalyn Church (11.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.4 spg), 6-0 G Kate Cronin (10.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.3 spg), 5-9 G Lori Taylor (7.6 ppg, 5.8 apg), 5-9 G Carrie Kirvin (7.1 ppg).

Outlook: These two programs have combined to win the last seven America East titles. Maine has won six games in a row and 36 straight league contests, the longest conference win streak in the nation. Vermont is America East’s winningest team, but lost an AE game at New Hampshire. Maine and UVM are the league’s Nos. 1 and 2 shooting, rebounding, and defensive teams, respectively. The Bears have averaged 96 points in their last five games, but Vermont has ample offense. The Cats must contend with Cassidy and Porrini inside while not allowing Blodgett to get hot. Maine must get back in transition, prevent Lawson from getting loose inside, and not leave Taylor and Cronin open outside the 3-point arc.