Maine Defends, Rebounds and Wins

After early season losses to Delaware State and Brown at home, Maine was in the midst of an identity crisis. A team that was built on suffocating defense and methodical offense in '09- '10, found itself trying to win by out-scoring their opponents. Over the last 4 games, Maine got back to basics and put the proverbial clamps on the competition. For the Black Bears, it's all about defense and rebounding. Maine has limited UMass and Penn State to below 38% from the field in the last 2 weeks. Guards who were basket hanging and waiting for outlet passes in previous defeats are immersed in a gang rebounding effort. That being said the team is very much a work in progress and roles are still being established. Seniors Sean McNally and Malachi Peay have not played extensive minutes for various reasons, but they are buying into the team concept and providing leadership and support to the younger guys. Raheem Singleton is making strides at the point and adjusting to a more structured system. Freshman Ali Fraser is proving to be a finisher on the low block that Maine has sorely lacked in past seasons. Murphy Burnatowski is realizing how good he can become by simply playing within himself and focusing on his defense first. One out of conference game remains on the schedule before a huge AE home opener against Boston U on Jan. 2nd. The Terriers pose some nightmare match-ups for Maine with Jake O'Brien and John Holland. I expect Maine to extend their zone and force Boston into contested shots from deep and limit second chance points. Scary thing is, BU could knock in 12 or more 3's if their guns are feeling it. Are you ready for some AE battles?