MAINE vs. PROVIDENCE

Time, site: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., Dunkin’ Donuts Center, Providence, R.I.

Records: Maine 3-3; Providence 3-1

Series, last meeting: Providence leads 8-1, PC 94-79 on 12/9/06

Key players: Maine – 6-5 G Mark Socoby (16.5 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.5 apg),, 6-9 C Brian Andre (14.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg), 6-5 G Junior Bernal (12.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 3.2 apg), 6-3 G Robby Hanzlik (4.3 ppg, 1.8 apg, 1.5 rpg), 6-10 F/C Jordan Cook (4.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg); Providence – 6-0 G Dwain Williams (14.3 ppg, 2.5 apg), 6-4 G Brian McKenzie (13.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg), 6-1 G Jeff Xavier (11.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg), 6-8 G/F Geoff McDermott (10.5 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.8 apg), 6-5 G Weyinmi Efejuku (10.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg), 6-5 G/F Marshon Brooks (4.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.0 apg)

Outlook: It’s a second straight tough test for the young Black Bears, who face another young team playing more like a veteran squad. The Friars – whose top six players are three juniors, two sophomores, and a freshman – have already knocked off Temple and 18th-ranked Arkansas. Providence is scoring 71.0 points per game while allowing 62.2 and outrebounding teams 33.2 to 30.5. Maine, coming off a physical loss to Northeastern, must cut down on its 20.0 turnovers-per-game average. Providence is committing 14.3 per game while opponents are averaging 21.3. Rebounding will again be crucial as Maine must control the tempo.