Men’s basketball

MAINE vs. PROVIDENCE

Time, site: Saturday, 2 p.m.; Dunkin’ Donuts Center, Providence, R.I.

Records: Maine 3-0, Providence 2-1

Series, last meeting: Providence leads 9-1, PC 78-48 on 11/27/07

Key players: Maine – 6-3 G Gerald McLemore (12.3 ppg, 1.0 apg), 6-5 G Mark Socoby (11.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.3 apg), 6-7 F Troy Barnies (8.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg), 6-5 G Junior Bernal (6.7 ppg, 1.7 rpg), 6-7 F Sean McNally (5.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1.3 apg), 6-9 C/F Svetoslav Chetinov (5.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg); Providence – 6-5 G Weyinmi Efejuku (14.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg), 6-8 C Jonathan Kale (11.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg), 6-8 G/F Geoff McDermott (10.3 ppg, 8.7 rpg), 6-4 G Brian McKenzie (10.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg), 5-10 G Sharaud Curry (9.0 ppg, 2.3 rpg), 6-5 G/F Marshon Brooks (17.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg), 6-11 F/C Randall Hanke (9.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg), 6-1 G Jeff Xavier (9.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg)

Outlook: Both teams come in with plenty of momentum as the Friars have scored 111 and 100 points in their last two games (both wins), and Maine is off to its first 3-0 start since the 1971-72 season. The Friars return all their starters from last season’s team and are senior-laden. They feature plenty of quickness and depth as their leading scorer and three of their top seven scorers come off the bench. The Friars’ lone loss was the season-opener against former America East team Northeastern (70-66). Although the Black Bears like to run, they don’t want to get into a score-a-thon with the Friars, who have plenty of scoring punch.

Women’s basketball

MAINE vs. MASSACHUSETTS

Time, site: Sunday, 2 p.m., Augusta Civic Center

Records: Maine 0-2, Massachusetts 2-1

Series, last meeting: UMass 11-5

Key players: Maine – 6-3 C Samantha Baranowski (9.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg), 5-11 G/F Tanna Ross (8.5 ppg), 6-0 F Brittany Boser (6.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg), 5-10 G Amanda Tewksbury (6.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg), 5-5 G Kristin Baker (5.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.5 spg), 5-9 G Jasmine Rush (5.0 ppg, 2.0 apg); UMass – 5-10 G Stefanie Gerardot (22.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.7 spg), 6-1 F Teya Wright (10.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg), 5-7 G Sakera Young (6.7 ppg, 3.7 apg), 5-5 G Kim Benton (6.7 ppg, 2.3 apg), 6-0 G Cerie Mosgrove (6.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg).

Outlook: The Black Bears play their home opener, of sorts, against the Minutemen. UMaine is still trying to find a good rhythm coming off Thursday’s 65-57 loss at Central Connecticut. Coach Cindy Blodgett’s team has been inconsistent on defense and continues to hurt itself with frequent turnovers (30.5 per game). Depth also is a concern with freshmen Brittany Williams and Samantha Wheeler nursing injuries. UMass of the Atlantic 10 is coming off a 67-51 win Wednesday over UMaine conference rival New Hampshire. The Minutemen feature a guard-oriented squad that also has been successful on the boards. UMass lost three starters from last season, but has a nucleus of eight letter winners.