DEAD RIVER CO. CLASSIC

MAINE vs. BROWN

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

Records: Maine 1-1; Brown 1-1

Series, last meeting: Maine leads 3-2; Maine won 82-68 on 11/29/96

Key players: Maine – 5-9 G Ellen Geraghty (17 ppg), 6-3 C Abby Schrader (14 ppg, 10 rpg), 5-9 G Melissa Heon (11 ppg, 8 rpg, 6 spg), 5-7 G Kim Corbitt 9 ppg, 5 apg), 6-1 G/F Julie Veilleux (6 ppg, 11 rpg), 5-11 F Monica Peterson (3 ppg, 5 rpg); Brown – 6-0 F Nyema Mitchell (19.5 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 2.0 bpg), 5-9 G Colleen Kelly (17 ppg, 3.5 spg), 5-8 G Tanara Golston (9 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 apg), 5-8 G Sarah Hayes (7 ppg, 7 rpg, 3.5 agp), 5-8 F Ashley Van Kurin (3.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2 spg)

Outlook: The Black Bears hope to capitalize on their home-court advantage against the Brown Bears. UMaine struggled with its close-range shooting and free throws in the loss at Dartmouth, but is hoping to smooth out some wrinkles in the tournament. Brown is coming off a Tuesday night victory over Providence. The youthful squad includes seven freshmen and four sophomores, but likes to play a quick tempo, as does UMaine. The hosts will look to Veilleux and Peterson to fill in at power forward, while Schrader and Nicole Jay will hold down the middle. UMaine hopes to utilize its considerable depth.

DRAKE vs. MONTANA

Time, site: Friday, 4:30 p.m.; Alfond Arena, Orono

Records: Drake 2-0; Montana 2-0

Key players: Drake – 5-11 G Nicole Denmon (14.5 ppg), 6-3 C Carla Bennett (13 ppg, 6 rpg), 5-8 G Linda Sayavongchanh (11 ppg, 4.5 apg), 6-1 F Maureen Head (8 ppg, 2.5 apg), 5-5 G Ja’Nae Mosley (10 ppg, 4.5 rpg), 5-11 G/F Allison Burchill (6 ppg, 9 rpg); Montana – 6-3 C Hollie Tyler (19.5 ppg, 10.5 rpg), 5-10 G Lynsey Monaco (9.5 ppg, 9 rpg), 5-9 G/F Katie Edwards (9 ppg, 7 rpg), 6-0 F Jody McLeod (8 ppg, 6 rpg), 5-10 G Jill Henkel (6 ppg, 4.5 rpg)

Outlook: The Bulldogs and the Grizzlies clash in a first-round game that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Drake, a Sweet 16 team last season, is coming off a two-point win Wednesday night at Iowa State. Montana is off to a strong start with two home victories. The two teams should match up well personnel-wise, including a post duel between Bennett and Tyler.