Men’s Basketball

MAINE vs. PENN STATE

Time, site: Saturday, noon; Jordan Center, University Park, Pa.

Records: Maine 5-5, Penn State 7-4

Series, last meeting: first meeting

Key players: Maine – 6-3 G Kevin Reed (12.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg), 6-1 G Jon Sheets (11.8 rpg, 3.4 apg, 2.1 spg), 6-5 G Junior Bernal (11.5 ppg, 3.7 apg, 2.1 spg), 6-6 F Philippe Tchekane Bofia (10.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg), 6-4 F Chris Bruff (8.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg), 6-6 G Mark Socoby (8.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg); Penn State – 6-5 G/F Geary Claxton (16.0 ppg, 8.4 rpg), 6-5 F Jamelle Cornley (13.7 ppg, 7.6 rpg, .500 FG pct.), 6-3 G Danny Morrissey (10.5 ppg, 2.4 apg), 6-0 G Ben Luber (7.7 ppg, 4.8 apg), 6-11 F Brandon Hassell (6.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, .569 FG pct.)

Outlook: The Bears play for the first time in nine days against the Big Ten’s Nittany Lions. Maine, which has won five of seven, beat Division III UMaine-Farmington 75-34 on Dec. 14. Penn State has lost two of three and is coming off Saturday’s 69-66 loss to Southeastern Louisiana. Reed, who will play in his 100th career game today, is the Bears’ catalyst. Maine has exhibited good scoring balance but strives for more consistent play at the offensive end. The Bears’ defense will try to slow down a PSU squad that is playing its 10th home game this season. The Nittany Lions get to the foul line often. Point guard Luber is expected to return after missing two games with an ankle injury.