One year after Maine’s first America East tournament championship game appearance in 11 years, the question remains: When will the Black Bears finally capture that elusive NCAA Tournament bid?

There’s little question that under head coach John Giannini’s leadership, the University of Maine men’s basketball program has been elevated to the status of annual contender in America East. But after knocking on opportunity’s door the last few years and receiving no response, the Bears would like nothing better than to break it down.

Even after struggling through much of the 2001-02 season, the Black Bears found a way to tantalize fans with a late charge that lasted all the way to their sixth straight AE tourney appearance and fourth straight trip to the AE semifinals, a feat unmatched by any other conference team the last four years.

With one of the best, if not the best, frontcourts in America East and something they didn’t have the luxury of last year – a deep, talented backcourt – the Black Bears are poised to do just that.

“I’ve heard several coaches privately – and publicly – say that Maine could win this,” said Matt Bourque, AE assistant commissioner of communications.

Statistically (and Maine coach John Giannini repeated a coaching adage that statistics are for losers), the Black Bears’ top six players – center Justin Rowe, forwards Rickey White and Clayton Brown, and guards Kevin Reed, Eric Dobson, and Derrick Jackson – rank among the best in America East.

With one game left in the regular season: Four players were averaging 10 points or more per game, Maine was ranked first or second among the nine AE teams in 11 of 19 team statistical categories and the Bears were first in 3-point field goal percentage, overall field goal percentage, assists, and defensive rebounds. In fact, Maine was ranked 11th nationally among Division I teams in 3-point shooting, 14th in blocks, and 16th in assists.

“I told John I think his team has as good a chance as any to win the conference championship,” said Stony Brook University coach Nick Macarchuk on Feb. 23. His Seawolves had won three straight against Maine before losing 74-56. “If his guys play the way they’re capable of playing, like the way they played [Feb. 23], they’re pretty darn good.”

The most important statistical category is the won-lost record, and that’s where Maine has been a bit shaky, although the Bears seemed to be hitting their stride while winning six of nine down the stretch.

“We’re getting where we want to be in terms of how we’re playing, but the record we have is not at all what I anticipated,” Giannini said. “We’re playing well now, but it’s too bad we got off to a 1-6 start and lost a couple games at the buzzer early.”

After some early losses due to suspensions and injuries, the Bears still struggled at times and were inconsistent offensively. But Maine has turned things around of late.

“I think the difference now is our passing habits, offensive habits … shot selection, plus defensive pride are all much better now,” Giannini said. “Ballhandling has been an Achilles’ heel for us all season.”

It’s ironic that a team leading the league in assists has also committed the most turnovers. Still, the Bears are dangerous and seem to be playing their best ball at the right time.

“To be honest, we played well in the stretch of the season last year and the tournament, but talent-wise, we weren’t the best team out there,” said senior center Justin Rowe. “But this year’s a different story. Talent-wise, I really think we have the possibility to really go out there and win because we’re good enough.

“I don’t think anyone wants to play BU, Vermont, or us. I’m not going to say they’re stupid, but if they say they do want to play us, I can’t really believe it.”

They haven’t said so publicly, but the Bears must be eagerly eyeing a rematch with Vermont, which they’ve played tough in both meetings only to let the game get away from them down the stretch.”

To win their first AE title, the No. 4-seeded Bears will likely have to get through top seed and defending champ Boston University, holder of AE’s top spot most of the season; second-seeded Vermont; and/or third-seeded Hartford.

“I’ve got more respect for BU than any other team in the conference,” Rowe said. “They’re a smart, veteran team. They’re patient, they run their offense, they listen to their coach, and he coaches them well.”