Woodward: UMaine men’s basketball team must play 40 minutes of consistent defense against Vermont

Posted Jan. 21, 2013, at 8:59 p.m.

MAINE vs. VERMONT

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

Records: Maine 7-11 (2-3 America East), Vermont 12-6 (5-1)

Series, last meeting: Maine 69-56, Vermont 50-40 on 3/03/12

Key players: Maine — 6-3 G Justin Edwards (17.2 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game), 6-8 F Alasdair Fraser (13.5 ppg, 8.7 rebounds per game), 6-3 G Xavier Pollard (10.1 ppg, 4.3 assists per game), 6-6 G Jon Mesghna (8.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg), 6-9 F Mike Allison (7.1 ppg, 7.5 rpg), 6-8 F Till Gloger (3.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg); Vermont — 6-8 F Clancy Rugg (10.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg), 6-7 F Luke Apfeld (10.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg), 6-2 G Sandro Carissimo (9.9 ppg, 2.6 apg), 6-4 G Candon Rusin (8.6 ppg), 6-6 F Brian Voelkel (6.2 ppg, 8.4 rpg)

Coach Ted Woodward’s keys to the game: “We have to match their physical interior play, have good offensive execution and balance, and give 40 minutes of consistency on defense.”

Game notes: The Black Bears look to snap a three-game skid against the front-running Catamounts, who have won three straight, including Friday’s 81-73 victory over Stony Brook. UVM’s strength is in the frontcourt, where UMaine must be strong but avoid foul trouble. The Cats are allowing only 53.7 ppg in league play.