Dead River Co. Classic

MAINE vs. COLUMBIA

Time, site: Saturday, 3 p.m.; Alfond Arena, Orono

Records: Maine 1-1; Columbia 1-1

Series, last meeting: Maine leads 2-0; Maine 85-52 on 12/1/95

Key players: Maine – 6-1 F Heather Ernest (29.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg, .656 FT pct.), 5-9 G Ashley Underwood (10.0 ppg, 2.5 apg, 1.5 spg, .600 3-pt. FG pct.), 6-1 G/F Julie Veilleux (9.0 ppg, 2.5 apg), 5-9 G Melissa Heon (7.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.0 apg, 1.5 spg), 6-0 F Monica Peterson (6.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg), 6-3 C Abby Schrader (5.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg); Columbia – 6-4 C Edytte Key (8.0 ppg, 11.0 rpg), 5-9 G Sue Altman (6.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg), 5-10 G Nicole Lesko (6.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg), 6-1 F Erin Jaschik (4.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg), 5-4 G Liz Chorney (5.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg)

Outlook: The Bears make their home debut at Alfond, where they are 115-32 (.782) all-time. UMaine looks to parlay its aggressive style of defense into a fast pace and a sloppy offensive performance by the Lions. Columbia is averaging 56 ppg while shooting only 25 percent from the field so far this season, but should have enough players to match UMaine’s considerable depth. The Bears will strive for offensive balance, although Ernest has been virtually unstoppable. UMaine looks to limit second-chance points against a team that has rebounded well.

MARQUETTE vs. OAKLAND (Mich.)

Time, site: Saturday, 1 p.m.; Alfond Arena, Orono

Records: Marquette 2-0; Oakland 1-1

Series, last meeting: first meeting

Key players: Marquette – 5-6 G Carolyn Kieger (13.5 ppg, 2.0 apg), 5-9 G Kelly Schwerman (12.0 ppg), 6-2 F Christina Quaye (10.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg), 5-11 F Crystal Weaver (6.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.5 apg), 6-2 F Danielle Kamm (7.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg); Oakland – 5-8 G Jayme Wilson (20.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, .750 3-pt. FG pct.), 6-4 Petra Manakova (11.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.5 apg), 5-9 G Anne Hafeli (10.0 ppg, 4.0 apg), 6-0 F Nicole Piggott (8.5 ppg), 6-0 F Amanda Batcha (6.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.4 apg, 4.5 spg)

Outlook: The Golden Eagles, out of Conference-USA, are looking to continue the kind of play that took them to the second round of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament last season. The Grizzlies play in the Mid-Continent Conference. Marquette has played outstanding defense, allowing only 56 ppg. Oakland gave Boston College a scare and is shooting 52 percent from beyond the 3-point arc. Marquette, a strong, physical team, has incorporated three freshmen into its mix, including Quaye and Kamm, and goes a solid nine deep. Oakland has struggled in the rebounding action, but is averaging 18.5 assists with excellent ball movement.