Orono, Maine -- The Black Bears go for back-to-back wins for the first time this season when they host Central Connecticut State on Tuesday evening at the Cross Insurance Center at 7 p.m. Maine has won two in a row at the Cross Insurance Center, dating back to the 2019-20 season.
Tuesday's game will be broadcast live on
ESPN+ and streamed to the international viewing audience at
AmericaEast.tv. The game can also be heard worldwide on the
Black Bear Sports Network and locally in Maine on
92.9 FM.
Thanksgiving Food Drive: The Black Bears will be collecting canned goods and non-perishable foods at the gates on Tuesday night. Please bring an item to help support the Black Bear Exchange.
A LOOK AT THE BLACK BEARS:
Maine enters action at 2-2 on the season and fresh off its second win of the season. The Black Bears are 2-0 at home on the season. Maine leads the America East and ranks 62nd in the country in turnovers forced, averaging 17.0 takeaways per game this season. The Black Bears are also tops in the America East in steals at 9.2 per game and fourth in the league in blocks per game at 3.0. The Black Bears have also been particularly impressive on the offensive glass where they're averaging 11.3 offensive boards per game, third best among America East member programs.
Individually, Maine is led by Hofstra transfer guard
Vukasin Masic who enters play averaging 9.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and a team-high 2.3 assists while shooting 53.8 percent from the floor and 58.3 percent from 3-point range. Steph Ingo, who missed the last two games due to an arm injury, is adding 8.5 points and 8.5 boards in two games this season. Ingo's injury timetable is still to be determined. Transfer center
Chris Efretuei is coming off a season-high nine points and enters averaging 7.3 points and 4.5 boards.
A LOOK AT CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE:
The Blue Devils are looking for their first win of the season as they enter 0-5 after most recently falling at Quinnipiac, 76-65. CCSU, led by first-year head coach Patrick Sellers, features eight newcomers along with top returning scorer from last season in Tre Mitchell who averaged 9.4 points in 2020-21. CCSU, selected last in the NEC Preseason Coaches Poll, has struggled offensively this season as it enters averaging 57.6 points per game and are averaging just 29.2 rebounds. Senior Stephane Ayangma leads the Blue Devils in scoring at 10.4 points per game with 5.0 rebounds. Nigel Scantlebury is adding 9.4 points and a team-high 2.8 assists.
MAINE VS. CCSU ALL-TIME SERIES:
Maine enters play 11-4 all-time against the Blue Devils. The Black Bears captured a 66-64 victory in the latest meeting, played on Dec. 7, 2019 at CCSU. Maine last hosted CCSU in 2018, falling 93-90 in double overtime on Dec. 22, 2018. Maine's last win at home over CCSU came on Dec. 13, 1993, a 114-87 victory.
Tale of the Tape
| Maine (2-2) |
Category |
CCSU (0-5) |
| 59.8 |
Points Per Game |
57.6 |
| 66.8 |
Opponent Points Per Game |
81.2 |
| -7.0 |
Scoring Margin |
-23.6 |
| 37.8 |
Field Goal Percentage |
38.1 |
| 22.1 |
3-Point Field Goal Percentage |
33.6 |
| 72.7 |
Free Throw Percentage |
61.7 |
| 34.8 |
Rebounds Per Game |
29.2 |
| -2.0 |
Rebound Margin |
-8.6 |
| 11.5 |
Assists Per Game |
9.6 |
| 15.8 |
Turnovers Per Game |
16.4 |
| 17.0 |
Turnovers Forced Per Game |
-- |
| 9.3 |
Steals Per Game |
5.0 |
| 3.0 |
Blocks Per Game |
1.2 |
**Per University of Maine system guidance, UMaine Athletics will require all guests attending home hockey and basketball events to provide full proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test, which must be administered within the previous 72 hours. Patrons must have a mask in place covering their nose and mouth prior to entry to the venues.
Face coverings remain required indoors for all persons - students, staff, faculty, and visitors, on campus at all UMaine Athletics sporting events, regardless of vaccination status. All guests over the age of two will be required to wear a face covering, except while eating or drinking.
The University of Maine reserves the right to request additional screening of patrons prior to entering the building. The additional screening would consist of a symptom check and temperature scan.
If guests are unable to provide valid proof of vaccination, a valid negative test, or fail the enhanced screening, guests will be turned away from the event.
Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets to UMaine Athletics events prior to arriving at the venue and also are encouraged to arrive early to the venue on gameday.
Please click here for a synopsis of the UMaine Athletics COVID-19 vaccination policy.**
-UMaine-
