Women’s Basketball

MAINE vs. STEPHEN F. AUSTIN

Time, site: Saturday, 8 p.m.; Johnson Coliseum, Nacogdoches, Texas

Records: Maine 2-2; Stephen F. Austin 3-2

Series: 1st meeting

Key players: Maine – 5-10 G/F Kizzy Lopez (8.3, 4.8 rpg), 6-1 F Heather Ernest (11.8 ppg, 8.8 rpg), 6-1 G/F Julie Veilleux (8.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.0 apg), 6-3 C Christy Grover (8.8 ppg, 7.0 rpg), 5-9 G Ellen Geraghty (8.8 ppg, 2.3 apg), 5-9 G Tracy Guerrette (4.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.5 apg); Stephen F. Austin – 5-3 G Lashinda Winters (13.8 ppg, 2.6 apg), 6-2 C Tami Rater (11.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg), 5-10 G Nathesia Wright (7.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg), 5-7 G Jessica Guild (5.0 ppg), 6-0 F Chaquita Dilworth (4.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg)

Outlook: The Bears hope to take better care of the ball against the Ladyjacks after committing 38 turnovers in Thursday’s tough overtime loss at Northwestern State (La.). UMaine, which played solid man-to-man defense against the Demons, seemed to benefit from moving frosh Veilleux to point guard. The Bears also dominated the rebounding with a balanced effort. SFA presents a similar brand of fast-paced ball, characterized by overall quickness and depth. The Ladyjacks have made 13 straight trips to the NCAAs, reaching the second round last season. UMaine coach Sharon Versyp is looking for more leadership and production from Lopez, who has averaged only 21 minutes, four points and three rebounds in the last two games. Ernest and Grover continue to set the tone in the paint for the Bears, who must be more controlled on the fast break to avoid sloppy passes that lead to turnovers.