MAINE vs. DARTMOUTH

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

Records: Maine 0-1, Dartmouth 0-1

Series, last meeting: UMaine leads 8-4, UMaine 72-61 on 11/29/06

Key players: Maine – 5-10 G Tanna Ross (14.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 3.0 apg), 5-8 G Kris Younan (13.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.0 apg), 6-0 F Brittany Boser (10.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg), 5-6 G Kristin Baker (7.0 ppg, 5.0 apg), 5-10 F Colleen Kilmurray (7.0 ppg, 11.0 rpg), 5-10 G/F Amanda Tewksbury (0.0 ppg); Dartmouth – 5-7 G Koren Schram (19.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg), 6-1 F Margaret Smith (5.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg), 6-0 F Sydney Scott (4.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg), 6-1 F Brittney Smith (4.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg), 5-8 G Kristen Craft (4.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 7.0 apg, 2.0 spg)

Outlook: There will be plenty of anticipation as Cindy Blodgett makes her long-awaited head coaching debut at Alfond Arena. The Black Bears also hope to create some excitement of their own on the court against the Big Green, who were 15-14 and finished second in the Ivy League last season. UMaine must take care of the ball better after committing 35 turnovers in the opener at Clemson. The Bears are committed to rebounding and need to maintain that mindset against a Dartmouth squad that outrebounded Iowa of the Big Ten in a 61-43 opening-game loss. Schram is a potent scorer and 3-point shooter who warrants close attention. The Big Green roster includes freshman forward Cassie Cooper, a former Cony of Augusta star. She did not play in their first game. Dartmouth has an edge in experience with four upperclass starters.