VEazie, Maine (Interstat) — Two teams seeking a foothold in the America East Conference will meet Monday when the Maine Black Bears host the New Hampshire Wildcats at Cross Insurance Center. Both sides enter the matchup mired in difficult seasons. New Hampshire (4-12, 0-3 America East) is looking for its first conference win, while Maine (3-15, 1-2) aims to build momentum after splitting its first two league games. The Wildcats are coming off a heartbreaking 75-74 loss at Maryland-Baltimore County on Jan. 10, a game in which they let a late lead slip away. Forward Belal El Shakery was a force in that defeat, posting 18 points and 13 rebounds. His recent performances, including an 11-point, 6-rebound effort against Vermont, will be crucial for New Hampshire’s chances. Maine fell 67-62 at Vermont on Thursday, despite a well-rounded performance from guard Logan Carey, who dished out seven assists. Carey is coming off an 11-point, 5-assist game in a road win at NJIT on Jan. 10, demonstrating his capacity to fuel the Black Bears’ offense. The matchup pits two of the league’s struggling offenses. New Hampshire has lost five straight games, last winning on Dec. 17 against Stonehill. Maine’s victories are sparse, with wins over NJIT, Maine-Fort Kent, and Boston University. History adds another layer, as these interstate rivals will meet again in Durham on Feb. 21. For now, both see Monday’s game as a critical opportunity to halt slides and gain confidence in conference play. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.