Men’s basketball

MAINE vs. ALBANY

Time, site: Thursday, 7 p.m., SEFCU Arena, Albany, N.Y.

Records: Maine 5-10 (0-3 America East), Albany 9-6 (2-1)

Series, last meeting: Maine leads 6-4, Albany 87-73 Feb. 11

Key players: Maine – 6-3 G Kevin Reed (13.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg), 6-1 G Jon Sheets (10.9 ppg, 3.1 apg, 2.7 rpg), 6-5 G Junior Bernal (10.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.5 apg), 6-4 F Chris Bruff (8.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg), 6-6 G Mark Socoby (7.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg), 6-6 F Philippe Tchekane Bofia (7.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg); Albany – 6-1 G Jamar Wilson (17.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 5.2 apg), 6-4 G/F Jason Siggers (13.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.3 apg), 6-8 F Brent Wilson (12.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg), 6-5 G/F Brian Lillis (6.8 ppg,5.2 rpg), 6-8 F Brian Connelly (5.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg)

Outlook: The Black (-and-blue) Bears are still looking for their first conference win after three straight nail-biters that came down to the final minutes. Particularly frustrating is Maine’s ability to win most key statistical battles, but not the games. The Bears won’t have much time to dwell on the last one, a two-point loss to Boston U., as they play their fourth of five games in 11 days. Maine is averaging 65.9 points scored and 66.5 allowed per game while outrebounding opponents 36.3 to 35.3. The one statistic not friendly to the Bears is free throws as Maine is shooting 66.7 from the line. The bad news for the Bears is they’re playing the defending league champs on the road, and the 2005-06 player of the year (Jamar Wilson) is playing as well, or better, for Albany (68.1 points and 34.3 rebounds per game). The Great Danes are a tall order for Maine.