Women’s basketball

MAINE vs. SPARTAK MOSCOW

Time, site: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. (exhibition); Alfond Arena, Orono

Records: Maine 0-0; Spartak Moscow 0-1

Key players: Maine – 5-7 G Missy Traversi (7.7 ppg, .776 FT pct., .401 3-pt. FG pct.), 5-10 F Monica Peterson (7.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg, .508 FG pct.), 5-7 G Kim Corbitt (5.9 ppg, 3.5 apg, 1.7 spg); 5-9 G Ashley Underwood (4.0 ppg, .444 3-pt. FG pct.), 6-3 F Abby Schrader (3.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg), 6-1 F Bracey Barker (1.5 ppg, 1.0 rpg); Spartak Moscow – F Svetlana Khusainova (18 ppg, 5 rpg), G Svetlana Romanova (12 ppg, 4 apg, 3 spg), F Nelli Nevsorova (12 ppg, 12 rpg), F Marina Mezgina (6 ppg, 8 rpg), G Voktoria Timofeeva (9 ppg)

Outlook: This is the first exhibition game for coach Sharon Versyp’s Black Bears, but it’s their only outside competition before playing top-ranked Louisiana State at Baton Rouge in eight days. UMaine is trying to re-establish its chemistry after graduating three four-year regulars. The Bears are a bit smaller, but quicker overall, than last season and likely will feature a well-balanced offensive attack. Barker and Schrader are battling for playing time at the power forward spot vacated by two-time America East Player of the Year Heather Ernest. Spartak is coming off a 75-67 loss Monday night at Atlantic 10 member Saint Joseph’s, which is playing in this year’s Dead River Co. Classic in Orono. Spartak Moscow appears to be a freewheeling team that rebounds well and goes eight deep. The Russians shot 79 percent from the foul line.