Overview: The Great Danes embarked today on what coach Will Brown calls an 8-movie trip (four movies up, four movies back) today when they left for Orono, Maine today at 9:30 a.m.

Eleven hours later, they should be resting comfortably in whichever hotel they are staying at and hopefully the heat works (it's supposed to get to -20 tonight in Orono - that's not wind chill).

UAlbany has played against and beaten some of the stiffest competition in the America East (Vermont, Binghamton, Boston U.), but now they must go on the road where they are expected to win and do so.

The Black Bears only conference victory came against Stony Brook, who the Great Danes haven't faced, but will in their next game (at home on Friday, Jan. 23).

Maine has some good players in junior Mark Socoby, who was a third-team all-conference selection last season and freshman Gerald McLemore, who is averaging in double figures in his first collegiate season.

Records: UAlbany 3-1, 11-6. Maine 1-3, 6-11

The Series: The all-time series is tied 7-7, but the Great Danes have won seven of the last eight matchups.

Player to Watch: Will Harris, junior UAlbany. Harris is averaging 17.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in America East play. Bears.....beware.

Prediction: UAlbany 68, Maine 62 (The Great Danes have typically played up or down to their competition. My record is 13-4)