MAINE vs. QUEBEC-MONTREAL

Time, site: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. (exhibition); Alfond Arena, Orono

Records: Maine 0-0, Montreal 0-0

Series, last meeting: first meeting

Key players: Maine (2004-05 statistics) – 6-2 G Ernest Turner (13.6 ppg, 2.8 apg, 2.6 rpg), 6-4 G Jason Hight (3.1 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 3.1 apg); 6-10 F-C Olli Ahvenniemi (1.9 ppg, 1.8 rpg), 6-6 G Freddy Petkus (4.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg – 2003-04); Montreal (no statistics available) – 5-9 PG Renaldo Maignan, 6-8 C Raphael Limido, 6-2 G Jean-Velaud Senat, 6-1 PG Gilles Ysos, 6-3 F Hans Charlotin, 6-3 F Noel Lawrence, 6-2 C Joseph Atangana, 6-2 G-F Yanick Daoust, 6-4 C Patrick Kabanga, 6-5 G-F Bruno Visotzky-Bernier, 5-10 G Marc-Olivier Beauchamp, 6-4 G-F Kevin Boucher, 6-1 G-F Samuel Johnson

Outlook: The Black Bears looked impressive in their exhibition season debut against a previously unbeaten team with size and scoring ability, but it was the first game and the regular season hasn’t yet begun. Newcomers such as freshman forwards Philippe Tchekane Bofia and Christian Cavanaugh plus junior college transfer guard Rashard Turner exhibited plenty of talent, skills, and promise while others such as Ahvenniemi showed they have improved since last season. Petkus appeared comfortable on the court despite a back problem that sidelined him all season last year. How the various parts on this revamped Maine squad fit together should be much clearer after this second preseason game.