MAINE vs. DUKE

Time, site: Sunday, noon; Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham, N.C.

Records: Maine 0-0; Duke 0-0 (played Oklahoma State on Friday)

Series, last meeting: first meeting

Key players (2007-08 statistics): Maine – 5-9 G Amanda Tewksbury (9.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.0 spg, .802 FT pct.), 6-0 F Colleen Kilmurray (9.1 ppg, 5.0 rpg), 5-11 G/F Tanna Ross (8.8 ppg), 6-0 F Brittany Boser (8.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, .842 FT pct.), 5-5 G Kristin Baker (3.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg), 5-11 F Katia Bratishko (1.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg); Duke – 6-5 C Chante Black (14.1 ppg, 7.1 rpg), 5-10 G Abby Waner (10.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.8 apg, 2.6 spg), 6-2 F Joy Cheek (9.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg), 5-9 G Jasmine Thomas (7.9 ppg), 6-2 F Carrem Gay (6.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg), 6-0 G Keturah Jackson (4.1 ppg, 1.6 spg)

Outlook: The Black Bears will have their hands full against one of the elite programs in the Atlantic Coast Conference and the entire country. The game pits UMaine coach Cindy Blodgett against former Bears coach Joanne P. McCallie. UMaine will try to contain eighth-ranked Duke with its 1-2-2 matchup zone, a defense also played by the Blue Devils. The Bears must remain aggressive, especially inside, where they will give away some height. UMaine needs to execute crisply on offense and avoid giving Duke transition scoring chances off turnovers. The hosts likely will challenge the Bears’ overall ballhandling and passing skills with their quickness on the defensive end. Duke advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 last season and averaged 6,764 fans in 13 home contests.