UMaine Capsules

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Maine vs. Boston University

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

Records: Maine 9-12 (6-4 America East); Boston U. 13-9 (7-3)

Series, last meeting: BU leads 38-36; UMaine won 87-83 on 3/3/01

Key players: Maine – 6-3 G Errick Greene (18.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg), 7-0 C Justin Rowe (13.6 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 4.19 bpg), 6-7 F Clayton Brown (11.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg), 6-2 Derrick Jackson (7.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg), 6-6 F Joe Campbell (7.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg); Boston U. – 6-0 G Chaz Carr (13.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg), 6-7 G/F Billy Collins (12.2 ppg, 8.0 rpg), 6-7 F Ryan Butt (8.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg), 6-6 F Jason Grochowalski (7.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg), 6-6 G/F Paul Seymour (6.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg)

Outlook: The Black Bears kick off a five-game home stand against a tough Terrier squad that is second in America East. BU was the preseason pick as league front-runner, but lost star guard Matt Turner to a shoulder injury after only six games. Hartford held UMaine star Greene to just one shot attempt on Monday, while the Terriers lost an overtime thriller at Vermont. Rickey White returned to the Bear lineup against Hartford, scoring six points and grabbing four rebounds in 12 minutes. The action was his first since injuring his knee at Stony Brook on Jan. 6. His presence gives the Bears a top defensive stopper at forward, and another eager rebounder who’s willing to scrap for every loose ball.

MEN’S HOCKEY

Maine vs. Boston College

Time, site: Friday, 7 p.m.; Conte Forum, Chestnut Hill, Mass.

Records: Maine 16-7-5 (10-3-3 in Hockey East); BC 13-13-2 (6-10-1 HE)

Series, last meeting: BC leads 39-30-4; 3-3 tie on 12/8/01

Key players: Maine – RW Niko Dimitrakos (14 goals, 18 assists), RW Colin Shields (20 & 10), C Martin Kariya (12 & 17), C Tommy Reimann (10 & 17), D Peter Metcalf (4 & 23), D Francis Nault (3 & 11), G Mike Morrison (13-2-3, 2.00 goals-against average, .932); Boston College – LW Tony Voce (21 & 13), C Ben Eaves (8 & 17), LW Jeff Giuliano (8 & 19), RW Dave Spina (9 & 13), D J.D. Forrest (8 & 13), C Ales Dolinar (5 & 14), G Tim Kelleher (7-6-2, 2.85, .876)

Outlook: Maine C-LW Michael Schutte (separated shoulder) and C Chris Heisten (sprained ankle) will be available this weekend but whether they play or not is up in the air. The Eagles snapped a school-record six-game losing streak with a 3-2 overtime win over UMass on Feb. 1 but lost to BU 5-3 in the Beanpot Tournament on Monday. Maine has a seven-game unbeaten streak (5-0-2). Eaves may return after being sidelined for two months by a broken rib but Voce is questionable with a hand injury. The injury-laden Eagles are down to nine healthy forwards and finished the BU game with eight. Voce and Eaves were linemates and their line can dominate a game. Dimitrakos has racked up five goals and three assists in his last five games. The Eagles have plenty of firepower and a dangerous power play. Maine will have to stay out of the box and make safe clear-outs in the defensive zone. The Bears may have an edge in goal.