The America East is kicking off its countdown to the
Basketball Tip-Off Event by previewing each of the 18 teams. Today, we preview
both the men’s and women’s basketball teams from the University of Maine.
Maine Black Bears Men's Preview: (Click Here for Full Preview)
Heading into the 2009-10 season, expectations were
relatively low for the Maine men's basketball program. While there was a strong
core of young talent, few people outside the program believed that the team was
ready to compete at a high level in the America East. However, after a strong
performance in the non-conference portion of the season, which included wins
over Fordham and Boston College, it became clear that this was a team capable
of competing for an America East championship. While the Black Bears didn't
ultimately reach that goal, the 19 wins were the fourth-most in program
history, and the stage was set for what could be an historic 2010-11 season.
Maine Black Bears Women's Preview: (Click Here for Full Preview)
One of the keys in rebuilding a program to a competitive level is patience. As she prepares to enter her fourth season as head coach of
the Maine women's basketball team, Cindy Blodgett knows this program is getting
closer to the high expectations that she has it for it. Despite an 8-21 (4-12
America East) record in 2009-10, the Black Bears were much more competitive than
in previous seasons, as evidenced by losing eight games by single-digits over
the course of the season.