It has been a remarkable recent run for the University of Maine women’s basketball team.

Coach Sharon Versyp’s Black Bears take a 16-4 record, including a 9-0 conference mark, into Sunday’s noon America East game against Binghamton at Alfond Arena in Orono.

The Bears, playing for the first time in eight days, are counting on a big, boistrous crowd for their “Sea of White” day, during which fans are asked to wear white to support the team.

UMaine already has equaled its win total from last season. And with three weeks, and seven games, remaining the Bears have an opportunity to wrap up the league regular-season title in the near future.

The current 12-game winning streak is the fifth longest in Division I women’s basketball.

This team is beginning to generate the kind of excitement that existed when the Bears earned six straight NCAA Tournament appearances from 1994-2000.

“When you start playing well and you’re winning games, that just builds confidence,” said Versyp, who has helped rebuild UMaine from the remnants left by former coach Joanne Palombo-McCallie.

“They feel good and they’re working hard,” Versyp said. “When you really believe in yourself fully, good things can happen.”

UMaine clearly believes in its ability to play defense, which has been the basis of its success. Playing mostly man-to-man, the Bears have allowed only 47.8 points per game in America East games (nearly 14 points fewer than the next best team) while holding opponents to less than 32 percent shooting.

UMaine is able to pressure opponents with a four-guard rotation led by Melissa Heon and Kim Corbitt, and has ample depth at the small forward, power forward and center positions to maintain its intensity throughout the entire 40 minutes.

Offensively, virtually every Black Bear is at threat to score at any time. That balance has been instrumental in UMaine’s 66.6 ppg scoring average and .430 field-goal percentage in league games.

Heather Ernest of Temple leads the charge for the Bears, averaging a league-best 19.8 points, which ranks 22nd in the country. She also is 25th in the nation and first in America East in rebounding at 10.1 rpg.

The Bears hope to build on their momentum on Sunday.

UMaine welcomes former players

A handful of former UMaine women’s basketball standouts will be back on campus this weekend for a couple of events.

Bangor native Rita Sullivan reports Emily Ellis Throckmorton, Cathy Iaconeta, Amy Vachon and herself will be participating in a scrimmage against the Black Bears Saturday from 2-3 p.m. in Memorial Gymnasium.

Approximately 25 alumni stars also will be recognized during Sunday’s game.