MAINE vs. MICHIGAN

Time, site: Saturday, 2 p.m.; Alfond Arena, Orono

Records: Maine 3-4, Michigan 4-5

Series, last meeting: first meeting

Key players: Maine – 5-7 G Missy Traversi (13.0 ppg, 2.4 apg, .929 FT pct.), 6-1 F Bracey Barker (11.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg, .893 FT pct.), 6-0 F Monica Peterson (10.0 ppg, 6.4 rpg, .478 FG pct.), 5-7 G Kim Corbitt (7.3 ppg, 3.8 apg), 6-3 C Abby Schrader (6.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg), 5-9 G Ashley Underwood (6.1 ppg, .909 FT pct.); Michigan – 6-1 F Tabitha Poole (15.7 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.2 spg, .800 FT pct.), 6-0 F Ta’Shia Walker (13.7 ppg), 5-10 G/F Janelle Cooper (6.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg), 5-9 G Krista Clement (6.0 ppg, 3.3 apg, .824 FT pct.), 5-11 G/F Kelly Helvey (5.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg)

Outlook: The Bears must shake off the stress of finals week against another Big Ten foe. UMaine last played Dec. 10, losing to Indiana. Michigan is a youthful, talented squad that includes seven freshmen. The Wolverines, who own wins over Washington and UC Santa Barbara, are coming off a 79-62 loss at Western Michigan. The Bears look to ratchet up their perimeter defense but also must try to contain versatile forward Poole, Michigan’s catalyst. UMaine is looking to rebound and run to take advantage of its open-court attack. Corbitt has continued to improve after suffering a sprained ankle. The Bears’ opponents have shot 43 percent from the field this season and they can’t let the Wolverines do likewise.