MAINE vs. NORTH CAROLINA

Time, site: Saturday, 9:35 p.m.; Thunderdome, Santa Barbara, Calif.

Records: Maine 20-10; North Carolina 18-12

Series/last meeting: North Carolina leads 1-0; UNC won 68-52 on 12/28/96

Key players: Maine – 6-4 C Jamie Cassidy (21.3 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 2.6 bpg, 2.1 apg), 5-7 G Amy Vachon (10.1 ppg, 6.7 apg, 2.5 spg), 5-11 G/F Kizzy Lopez (7.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.9 spg), 5-10 G Kristen McCormick (8.1 ppg), 6-4 F Martina Tinklova (5.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg), 5-7 G Pam Cruz (1.9 ppg); North Carolina – 5-11 F LaQuanda Barksdale (17.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg), 6-0 G Nikki Teasley (14.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 6.0 apg, 2.0 spg), 5-11 G Juana Brown (1.05 ppg, 5.8 rpg), 6-0 F/C Jackie Higgins (9.9 ppg, 8.1 rpg), 5-11 G Leah Sharp (5.9 ppg).

Outlook: The Bears can’t afford to run and gun against the Tar Heels. UMaine must play patiently and pass crisply on offense and rebound hard to slow the tempo. UNC has the tallest average starting lineup in the NCAAs at slightly over 6 feet, and it boasts quickness and leaping ability. Cassidy must dominate inside, while Lopez or Cruz must chip in with ballhandling and ball distribution to deal with UNC’s tight defense. McCormick’s ability to hit 3-pointers is another offensive key, while Tinklova’s ability to play long stretches and provide a defensive and rebounding presence is pivotal.