MAINE vs. BOSTON UNIVERSITY

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

Records: Maine 11-13 (8-7 America East); Boston U. 7-17 (4-11)

Series, last meeting: Maine leads 28-15; BU won 86-64 on 12/5/00

Key players: Maine – 6-1 F Heather Ernest (14.0 ppg, 10.8 rpg), 5-11 G/F Kizzy Lopez (11.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg), 5-9 G Tracy Guerrette (6.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.5 apg), 5-9 G Melissa Heon (5.9 ppg, 1.0 spg), 6-1 F Anna James (5.5 ppg, 3.3. rpg), 6-1 G/F Julie Veilleux (7.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg); BU – 5-11 G Katie Terhune (16.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg), 6-2 C Alison Dixon (12.1 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.6 bpg), 6-0 G/F Dia Dufault (8.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.0 spg), 6-2 F Marisa Moseley (6.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg), 5-8 G Courtney Jones (5.7 ppg, 2.7 apg)

Outlook: The Bears need a victory to maintain their quest for either the No. 4 or No. 5 spot in the league standings. UMaine also wants to demonstrate the improvement it has achieved since BU’s blowout win in December. The Terriers have struggled, but have won two of their last three. BU has had defensive difficulties, but does feature one of the league’s top post players in Dixon. UMaine’s interior defense, and staying out of foul trouble, are keys. The Bears also look to continue their solid rebounding, as the Terriers rank last in America East in rebounding margin (minus 8.1). Look for UMaine to try guarding rookie standout Terhune with Heon, who has been the Bears’ defensive stopper on the perimeter with her outstanding quickness. However, UMaine can’t afford to foul Terhune, who is an 89 percent free-throw shooter.