MAINE vs. CENTRAL CONNECTICUT

Time, site: Thursday, 6 p.m., Detrick Gymnasium, New Britian, Conn.

Records: Maine 3-13; Central Connecticut 4-13

Key players: Maine – F Heather Briggs (12 ppg, 5.8 rpg), F Stephanie Guidi (10.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg), G Stacia Rustad (6.9 ppg), F Rita Sullivan (5.6 ppg), G Chrissy Strong (3.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 4.8 apg); Central Connecticut – F Margaret Van Cott (12.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg), F Andrea Hartman (10.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg), C-F Tula Kofitsas (9.9 ppg, 6.9 rpg), G Yolanda Ervin (1.2 ppg), G Rosemary Rodriguez (2.3 ppg).

Outlook: Not only will Black Bears be looking to break two-game losing streak with this non-conference matchup against the Blue Devils, but also looking for their first road victory since Feb. 15 of last year. Maine must shoot well and not the turn the ball over. Guidi and Rustad, Maine’s two starting freshmen, would like to break out of mini-slumps which seem to have affected their confidence level. This is the game to do it in. Central Connecticut’s backcourt has been devastated by injury with Paige Martin (14 ppg) being doubtful and point guard Melissa Prindiville (15 ppg) being out. Both have knee injuries. CCSU has lost seven straight games, including a 20-point loss to Dartmouth, a team Maine beat.