AMERICA EAST QUARTERFINALS

Maine vs. Northeastern

Time, site: Thursday, noon; Patrick Gym, Burlington, Vt.

Records: Maine 12-15 (9-9 America East); Hartford 14-13 (9-9)

Series, last meeting: Maine leads 30-4; Hartford won 66-51 on March 1

Key players: Maine: 6-1 F Heather Ernest (13.7 ppg, 10.3 rpg), 5-11 G/F Kizzy Lopez (10.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg), 5-9 G Tracy Guerrette (5.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.4 apg), 6-0 F Anna James (5.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg), 5-9 G Melissa Heon (5.9 ppg), 6-1 G/F Julie Veilleux (7.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg); Hartford: 5-10 F Janeka Lopp (14.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg), 6-3 C Kenitra Johnson (11.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg), 6-0 F Anne Whalen (7.4 ppg), 5-8 G Dorcas Miller (6.7 ppg), 5-7 G Cheri Eleazer (5.7 ppg, 2.2 apg)

Outlook: Without the pressure of being the favorite or the host, the Bears are hoping to take the first step toward a shot at the America East title. UMaine makes its first appearance as a No. 4 tourney seed against the fifth-seeded Hawks. The Bears must deal with their relative lack of postseason experience, including three freshman regulars in Ernest, Heon and Veilleux. Heon will likely be responsible for trying to slow down Miller, who scored a career-high 18 points in the most recent meeting. UMaine’s emphasis will be on execution. The Bears were disjointed offensively in the loss to the Hawks, who are tenacious defenders. UMaine must be patient and work the ball for high-percentage scoring chances since Hartford, which leads the league in scoring defense (61.2 ppg) is likely to limit 3-point looks. The Hawks thrive on their athleticism, balance and free-flowing offense. The Bears want to force Hartford to shoot from outside and keep the Hawks from forcing a quick tempo. Foul trouble is a concern for UMaine, which has only eight players.