Men’s basketball

MAINE vs. UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK

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

Key players: Maine (last season’s statistics)- 6-2 G Kevin Reed (12.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.7 apg in 2004-05), 6-1 G Jon Sheets (9.4 ppg, 2.8 apg, 2.7 rpg), 6-5 G Junior Bernal (redshirted), 6-10 C Olli Ahvenniemi (5.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.6 bpg), 6-6 F Philippe Tchekane Bofia (9.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg), 6.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg), 6-4 F Chris Bruff (6.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg); UNB – 6-0 G Oliver Glencross, 6-6 F Bill Walker, 6-4 F Patrick Sharkey, 6-10 F Adam Parent, 6-5 G Thor Jensen

Outlook: The UNB Varsity Reds come into Alfond Arena with a 2-7 overall record and three-game losing streak following a 78-58 loss to touring team Athletes in Action on Saturday. The Reds have been in action since Oct. 13, so they have one advantage over Maine in terms of game experience. Still, the Reds may be hard-pressed to deal with Maine’s multifaceted lineup of athletic, versatile guards and forwards who can create instant mismatches led by Reed, Bernal and Bruff. Freshman Mark Socoby from Bangor High is also rounding into that mold. Maine will also continue to emphasize the boards as Reed, Bofia, and Ahvenniemi make up three of the top 10 America East rebounders from the last two seasons. The Reds are averaging 69.6 points per game on offense and giving up an average of 80.4, so the Black Bears will look to push the tempo and run.