MAINE vs. NORTHEASTERN

Time, site: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.; Alfond Arena, Orono

Records: Maine 23-4 (17-0 NAC); Northeastern 11-13 (9-7 NAC)

Series: Maine leads 16-15

Key players: Maine – 5-9 G Cindy Blodgett (27.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.4 apg, 2.8 spg), 6-4 C Stacey Porrini (12.7 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 2.4 bpg), 5-9 F Trisha Ripton (8.1 ppg, 4.0 apg), 5-11 F Catherine Gallant (7.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg), 6-0 F Stephanie Guidi (7.4 ppg); Northeastern – 5-10 F Nora Mitchell (12.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg), 6-2 C Betsy Palecek (11.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg), 5-4 G Julie Davis (11.6 ppg, 3.5 apg), 6-1 C Machanda Meredith (8.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg), 5-7 G Marisa Petreccia (4.3 ppg, 4.6 apg).

Outlook: The Black Bears can wrap up an unbeaten North Atlantic Conference regular season, a feat accomplished only twice previously, both times by Vermont. Maine, which is coming off an impressive 77-51 victory Thursday over Boston University, is trying to get into a groove heading into next weekend’s NAC Tournament. The Huskies are still battling for fourth place and a home-court quarterfinal berth. Northeastern has lost four of its last five, including a 77-58 setback Thursday at New Hampshire. Maine blew out Northeastern 81-43 Dec. 9 in Boston. Blodgett continues to lead the nation in scoring and has been almost unstoppable for the Bears. The Huskies have the least potent offense in the NAC at 54.1 ppg, shooting only 36 percent from the floor.