Preview: Bryant Bulldogs at Maine Black Bears

VEAZIE, Maine (Interstat) — A key America East Conference women’s basketball matchup is set for Saturday when the Bryant Bulldogs visit the Maine Black Bears at Cross Insurance Center.

The Bulldogs (16-7) enter with the better overall record, but the Black Bears (12-11) have won three of their last four and are looking to avenge a loss from earlier this season. Bryant defeated Maine 82-73 in Smithfield, Rhode Island, on Jan. 3.

Bryant is coming off a gritty 50-44 road win at Albany on Thursday, led by 12 points and six rebounds from forward Maranda Nyborg. The Bulldogs have relied on defense, holding opponents to 60 points or fewer in three of their last five games. Nyborg has been a consistent presence, averaging 10.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks over her last seven contests.

Maine counters with forward Adrianna Smith, who is playing at an all-conference level. She is averaging a double-double over her last seven games, including a 17-point, 13-rebound, five-assist performance in Thursday’s 55-46 win at Vermont. Smith scored 29 points in the Jan. 24 loss to Binghamton and 32 points in a win over New Hampshire on Jan. 17, demonstrating her high-scoring capability.

The Black Bears’ offense runs through Smith, but they received a boost from guard Asta Blauenfeldt, who scored 21 points in the win over Vermont. Maine has shown offensive explosiveness, scoring 92 points in a win over UMass Lowell on Jan. 31.

Bryant’s recent form has been uneven, with a three-game losing streak in mid-January followed by two wins in its last three outings. Maine has been stronger at home in conference play, with wins over Albany and NJIT at Cross Insurance Center this season.

Saturday’s result could have significant implications for seeding in the upcoming America East tournament. Following this game, Bryant hosts Vermont on Feb. 14, while Maine travels to Maryland-Baltimore County on Feb. 12.

Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST.