NAC semifinals

MAINE vs. BOSTON UNIVERSITY

Time, site: Tuesday, 7 p.m.; Alfond Arena, Orono

Records: Maine 22-5, Boston University 18-9

Series: Maine leads 18-15

Key players: Maine – 5-9 G Cindy Blodgett (20.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.5 apg, 3.4 spg), 6-4 C Stacey Porrini (12.8 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.7 bpg), 6-0 F Steph Guidi (11.3 ppg), 5-9 G Trisha Ripton (9.2 ppg, 3.1 apg, 2.1 spg), 5-11 F Catherine Gallant (7.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg), 5-7 G Seana Dionne (4.3 ppg, 2.9 apg); Boston University – 5-10 F Julie Schmidt (16.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.8 spg), 6-2 F Alicia Charles (6.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg), 5-4 G Sarah Coleman (6.0 ppg, 4.9 apg), 6-0 C Gretchen Klaus (6.0 ppg), 5-4 G Nakeya Watson (6.0 ppg), 5-9 G Kelly Jo Gallagher (4.0 ppg).

Outlook: It’s the rubber game of the season for these two rivals. This time, the key motivating factor is a shot at the NAC title and the automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament that comes with it. BU beat Maine 75-72 on a buzzer-beater by Coleman in Boston on Jan. 26, but the Bears posted a 77-56 victory in Orono on Feb. 11. A NAC-record 5,624 fans showed up to watch that contest. The Bears have won 11 in a row since that first meeting with BU. The Terriers have won five of their last six, but are 3-7 on the road.