UMaine capsules

Women’s basketball

MAINE vs. MICHIGAN

Time, site: Saturday, 2 p.m.; Crisler Arena, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Records: Maine 2-2; Michigan 2-4

Series, last meeting: Maine leads 1-0, Maine 69-61 on 12/18/04

Key players: Maine – 6-3 C Abby Schrader (13.0 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 1.0 bpg), 5-7 G Ashley Underwood (11.3 ppg, .440 3-pt. pct.), 6-1 G/F Bracey Barker (10.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.0 apg), 6-2 F Katie Whittier (10.8 ppg, 10.0 rpg, .581 FG pct.), 5-6 G Margaret Elderton (4.5 ppg, 3.0 apg), 5-7 G Ameshia Bryant (5.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.3 apg); Michigan – 6-0 F Ta’Shia Walker (11.3 ppg, 7.3 rpg), 6-3 F/C Stephany Skrba (7.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.2 bpg), 5-5 G Jessica Minnfield (6.3 ppg, 2.5 apg, .429 3-pt. pct.), 5-11 F/G Kelly Helvey (5.3 ppg, 3.2 apg, 1.3 bpg), 6-0 F Katie Dierdorf (6.3 ppg)

Outlook: The Bears play the first of five straight road games looking to rebound from Wednesday’s disappointing loss to Rhode Island. UMaine continues to be strong in the post and inconsistent at the guard spots. The young Wolverines (1 upperclassman) already have lost to two teams in the Top 25. Michigan also lacks experience but has good balance and depth. It likely will try to press the Bears, who need to develop more poise in the face of pressure. UMaine also must work on the consistency of effort on defense, while Barker and Underwood must score more from the perimeter to take some pressure off the post players.

Men’s basketball

MAINE vs. HARTFORD

Time, site: 2 p.m. Saturday, West Hartford, Conn.

Records: Maine 1-4, Hartford 2-2

Series, last meeting: 23-23, Feb. 19, Maine 61-58

Key players: Maine – 6-2 G Ernest Turner (17.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg), 6-1 G Jon Sheets (11.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.2 apg), 5-10 G Rashard Turner (10.0 ppg, 5.0 apg, 3.4 rpg), 6-10 F-C Olli Ahvenniemi (6.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg), 6-4 G Chris Bruff (5.2 ppg, 7.0 rpg); Hartford – 6-9 C Kenny Adeleke (20.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 2.5 bpg), 6-2 G Aaron Cook (15.0 ppg, 2.5 apg), 6-4 G-F David Ruffin (9.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.0 spg), 6-4 F Bo Taylor (6.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg), 6-1 G Rich Baker (5.5 ppg, 4.3 apg)

Outlook: What has become the annual America East conference opener for both teams could prove to be both an early season test and a benchmark as both teams are looking for a spark. The Black Bears played well against teams on opposite ends of the spectrum in UMFK and Pittsburgh a week ago, but stumbled against Robert Morris with a cold stretch run. Like Maine, the Hawks are coming off two straight losses and looking to rebound. The Bears will have their hands full against Adeleke, who has become a force inside. That could be problematic for a Bears team that’s been more guard-oriented in the early going. These teams are about as evenly-matched historically with a .500 head-to-head record and a regular season split last season. Hartford is averaging 17.8 turnovers per game and Maine is at 18.2.