Will be in Hartford for Friday's contest between Trinity (14-4) and Bowdoin (15-3). Interesting match-up considering Trinity seems to be struggling to score recently(only 48 vs. Williams friday night) While Bowdoin and Trinity boast some of the leagues league's most impressive defensive clubs. Bowdoin leading the league in  field goal % Defense and both teams are among those atop the conference in scoring defense and rebounding margin on the season. Trinity wins the match-up of the guards most likely continuing their trend of applying quite a bit of pressure on opposing guards most likely forcing turnovers and easy baskets at home. Bowdoin might win the match-up inside however as Fliegel and Sargentson seem to have both the edge in Field goal percentage and rebounding on Martin and Rowe. Match-up to watch might be Robert Taylor vs. Kyle Jackson. Have to give the edge to Trinity at home in such a big contest but should be a close one pitting two classic veteran NESCAC clubs against one another mid-season on the first night of the weekend. 

Surprised by the plentiful early season talk of the usually under the radar maine teams. All three suffered significant losses, (McGowan, Lindsley, Gerrity, Yakavonis), yet expectations appear to have grown exponentially. None of the the three have achieved a NCAA invitation in 7 seasons (Bowdoin '99). All three have terrible road conference records over this time. None have what you would call an upperclassmen dominated backcourt to win league games down th stretch on the road. Their may be talent in the north country, but it could be a touch early to annoin any of the programs top 4 in the league this season.

Major questions

1. How will bowdoin rebound and defend in the post? Petrie is not a physical presence, and who will play the post and defend skilled and top level front courts like Amherst, trinity, and Tufts.

2. How will Bates replace Gerrity? There is a history of second half drop offs in wins and production from what I've seen in this program.

3. Who scores after cohen for Colby? Jenkins and often injured Cohen? Who handles the ball for this team? How will they deal with pressure in backcourt? Athletic disadvantages??

Some things to think about in regards to the Maine love affair.....