Women’s basketball

MAINE vs. INDIANA

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

Records: Maine 3-3, Indiana 3-3

Series, last meeting: Indiana leads 1-0; Indiana 67-58 on 12/12/03

Key players: Maine – 5-7 G Missy Traversi (12.5 ppg, 2.5 apg, .900 FT pct.), 6-1 F Bracey Barker (10.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.7 spg, .864 FT pct.), 6-0 F Monica Peterson (10.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg, .536 FG pct.), 6-3 C Abby Schrader (7.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg), 5-9 G Ashley Underwood (6.7 ppg, .909 FT pct.); Indiana – 5-8 G Cyndi Valentin (16.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg, .424 3-pt. FG pct., .889 FT pct.), 5-9 G Leah Enterline (6.0 ppg, 2.7 apg), 6-0 F Jamie Gathing (4.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg), 6-7 C Sarah McKay (5.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg), 6-3 F Angela Hawkins (3.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg)

Outlook: The Black Bears return for the first of two straight home games against Big Ten foes. UMaine is coming off Saturday’s 69-57 win at Buffalo during which it was without starting point guard Kim Corbitt (sprained ankle). Her status for today is doubtful, which means the Bears need more minutes and production from Traversi and Underwood, especially defensively. UMaine must contend with an Indiana team paced by scoring leader Valentin and a strong, physical frontcourt. The Bears must rebound aggressively and take the ball to the basket to get to the foul line. The Hoosiers, who lost 66-59 Monday at Indiana State, have allowed only 49 ppg, holding opponents to 32 percent field-goal shooting.