Women’s basketball

MAINE vs. NEW BRUNSWICK

Time, site: Sunday, noon (exhibition); Alfond Arena, Orono

Records: Maine 0-0; New Brunswick 1-3

Last meeting: UMaine 86-80 on 11/1/07

Key players: Maine (2007-08 statistics) – 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); New Brunswick – 6-0 F Amanda Sharpe (16.5 ppg, 7.3 rpg, .540 FG pct.), 5-11 F Angela Aydon (7.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg), 6-1 F Emma Russell (7.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg), 5-11 C Jessi Bradley (7.5 ppg, 8.0 rpg), 5-10 F Joanna Fox (5.5 ppg, 2.5 apg)

Outlook: The new edition of the Black Bears will play together for the first time against the Varsity Reds of Atlantic University Sport in Canada. Coach Cindy Blodgett’s UMaine team will attempt to focus on playing intense, cohesive defense first and try to generate some quick offense off steals and deflections. The Bears expect to have better offensive chemistry after playing together all summer but may be challenged by a lack of depth. Of the four freshmen, 6-3 center Samantha Baranowski may see the most significant minutes. Two other newcomers are nursing injuries. UNB has lost its last two contests, averaging only 47 ppg. The Varsity Reds do have several games under their belts and should be ahead of UMaine in terms of their comfort level on the court.

Men’s basketball

MAINE vs. LAVAL

Time, site: Sunday, 3 p.m. (exhibition); Alfond Arena, Orono

Records: Laval 0-0, Maine 0-0

Series, last meeting: first meeting

Key players (2007-08 stats): Maine – 6-5 G Mark Socoby (14.6 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.2 apg), 6-5 G Junior Bernal 10.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 3.0 apg), 6-7 F Sean McNally (5.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg), 6-4 G Kaimondre Owes (12.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.4 apg), 6-7 G-F Troy Barnies (3.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg), 5-9 G Andrew Rogers (first year), 6-3 G Gerald McLemore (first year); Laval – No roster available

Outlook: The Black Bears will get their first chance to play against someone wearing different uniforms for the first time this season. They’ll also see how their new, uptempo style of offense will play out and how good their young backcourt is with a bunch of talented freshmen brought in to fill the voids at the point and perimeter shooting. The Bears will tested by a Quebec-based team that lost to Northeastern 84-72 earlier last month. Maine will be without Jordan Cook of Hampden as he is taking some time off for medical reasons. Philippe Tchekane Bofia may also be held out for medical reasons.