MAINE vs. UMAINE-PRESQUE ISLE

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

Records: Maine 3-4; UM-Presque Isle 0-2

Series, last meeting: Maine leads 1-0, Maine 92-47 11/17/1997

Key players: Maine – 6-5 G Mark Socoby (15.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.4 apg), 6-3 G Gerald McLemore (12.3 ppg, 1.3 rpg), 6-5 G Junior Bernal (7.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 4.0 apg), 6-3 G Kaimondre Owes (7.0 ppg, 1.4 rpg), 6-7 F Sean McNally (6.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg), 6-7 Troy Barnies (6.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg); UMPI – 6-4 C Ray Mitchell (24.5 ppg, 16 rpg), 6-3 F Ben Rosser (5.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg), 6-3 F Loren Fawthrop (8 ppg, 7.0 rpg), 5-7 G Devon Peaslee (5.0 ppg, 3.5 apg), 6-2 G-F Ronald Spencer (14.5 ppg)

Outlook: The UMPI Owls have a tall order to fill against the Black Bears, as their biggest player (Mitchell) is 6-foot-4 and more a natural at small forward than at center. The Owls, who are short on experience and height, will throw a mix of defenses against the Bears to slow them down and see what works best. Maine will likely also mix defenses as man-to-man favors its size and athleticism, but the Bears are still perfecting on their zone defensive schemes. The Black Bears’ defense will concentrate on limiting Mitchell’s looks. Rookie college head coach Terry Cummings and his NCAA Division III Owls are looking forward to what they consider the biggest challenge on their schedule and are eager to measure themselves against the state’s only Division I program.