ORONO – The 2004-05 University of Maine men’s basketball schedule includes early season contests against regional powers Boston College and Rhode Island.

The Black Bears will have an early road test when they travel to Chestnut Hill, Mass., to face Boston College on Nov. 19. The Black Bears play at Rhode Island on Nov. 26.

The Black Bears open the 2004-05 campaign at Alfond Arena on Nov. 11 against UMass-Lowell. Other non-conference home games include a Nov. 22 date against Bethune-Cookman in Portland and a Dec. 4 matchup against Harvard at Memorial Gym on the Orono campus.

“We are getting a pattern of scheduling that give us unique and exciting experiences,” said Maine coach John Giannini. “We have national-caliber teams in Boston College, who advanced to the NCAA tournament and returns four starters, and Rhode Island, who went 4-0 against America East teams a year ago and participated in the NIT. Those two games will give us a chance to compete on the national stage.”

Maine swings into America East play at home against Stony Brook on Jan. 2. Other key America East home games include Northeastern on Jan. 23 and Boston University on Feb. 2. Maine closes out the regular season Feb. 27 when it hosts Vermont in a rematch of the 2004 America East championship game.

“The America East schedule is always challenging,” said Giannini. “The top teams in America East are routinely among the best mid-major teams and we look forward to those games.”

For more information or ticket information, visit www.GoBlackBears.com.