MAINE vs. DELAWARE

Time, site: Friday, 7 p.m.; Carpenter Center, Newark, Del.

Records: Maine 18-5 (11-2 NAC), Delaware 12-11 (5-7)

Series: Maine leads 6-1

Key players: Maine – 5-9 G Cindy Blodgett (19.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.7 apg, 3.0 spg), 6-4 C Stacey Porrini (12.5 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.7 bpg), 6-0 F Steph Guidi (10.7 ppg), 5-9 G Trisha Ripton (9.0 ppg, 3.0 apg, 2.0 spg), 5-11 F Catherine Gallant (8.0 ppg, 5.9 rpg), 5-7 G Seana Dionne (4.7 ppg, 3.0 apg); Delaware – 6-0 C Colleen McNamara (16.1 ppg, 8.7 rpg), 6-2 F Anette Percey (12.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.8 apg), 5-9 G Denise Wojciech (11.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.6 apg, 3.5 spg), 5-7 G Bev Santee (11.1 ppg, 3.1 apg), 5-11 F Shanda Piggott (7.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg).

Outlook: The Black Bears need two wins to wrap up the North Atlantic Conference regular-season title. Coach Joanne Palombo-McCallie’s team has already guaranteed itself a home-court advantage through the semifinals, provided the Bears get that far. Maine has posted seven straight victories and owns a 95-63 win over Delaware on Jan. 15 in Orono. The Blue Hens, who have lost three of four, need a miracle to earn a home-court playoff spot. Gallant is expected to be available after sitting out Maine’s last two contests with a sprained right ankle. McNamara will make her 108th consecutive start to tie an NAC record. The Hens are 7-0 when scoring 70 points or more, but 1-7 when giving up 70 points. Maine nailed a NAC-record 10 3-pointers in the Jan. 15 meeting.