Preview: Maine Black Bears at Albany Great Danes

ALBANY, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Albany Great Danes look to solidify their position near the top of the America East standings when they host the Maine Black Bears in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball matchup Thursday night at SEFCU Arena.

Albany (11-7 overall) enters with the more successful record, but seeks to halt a three-game conference skid. The Great Danes are coming off a 60-49 loss at Vermont on Saturday. Martina Borrellas leads Albany, averaging 14.3 points over her last four games, including a 17-point, 9-rebound effort in a narrow loss to Binghamton on Jan. 15.

Maine (9-10) arrives with momentum after a convincing 73-51 road victory at New Hampshire, also on Saturday. The Black Bears’ offense runs through dynamic guard Adrianna Smith, who erupted for 32 points in that win. Smith has been on a remarkable scoring tear, averaging 26.7 points over her last seven contests. She has scored 30 or more points three times in that span, including a 37-point performance at UMass Lowell on New Year’s Day.

The game features a contrast in recent trajectories. Maine has won three of its last four, while Albany has dropped three straight after opening its conference schedule with two wins. The Great Danes will rely on their home-court advantage, where they are 6-2 this season. Maine is 3-7 in road games.

Historically, this rivalry is a key barometer in the America East. The teams will meet again in Orono on Feb. 26. For now, Albany aims to use its defense to contain Smith and snap its losing streak, while Maine seeks to climb above .500 in league play behind its star’s hot hand.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. Albany’s next game is at home against New Hampshire on Saturday. Maine continues its road trip at Binghamton on Saturday.