MAINE vs. NORTHWESTERN STATE

Time, site: Thursday, 8 p.m.; Prather Coliseum, Natchitoches, La.

Records: Maine 2-1; Northwestern State 3-1

Series, last meeting: Northwestern State leads 1-0, won 77-54 on 12/4/93

Key players: Maine – 5-10 G/F Kizzy Lopez (9.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg), 6-1 F Heather Ernest (12.0 ppg, 8.3 rpg), 6-3 C Christy Grover (9.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.7 bpg), 5-9 G Ellen Geraghty (7.7 ppg, 2.3 apg), 5-10 G Lacey Stone (6.3 ppg), 6-1 F Julie Veilleux (5.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg); Northwestern State – 5-8 G Kia Converse (18 ppg, 12 rpg), 6-0 F Angela Davidson (13 ppg, 6 rpg), 6-1 C Jamila Newman (9.0 ppg, 8.3 rpg)

Outlook: The Bears begin a seven-day, three-game road trip against the perennially strong Demons, who played in the Women’s NIT last season. UMaine is hoping to bounce back after Saturday’s disappointing loss to Florida. The Bears look to be more cohesive defensively and take a more aggressive approach on the offensive end. NW State has nine freshmen and sophomores among its 14 players, but boast a real talent in Converse. The Demons are quick and athletic, but are trying to incorporate some new players and lack some experience. Rebounding will be crucial as NW State has outrebounded its opponents by 15 per contest.