Preview: Albany Looks to Avenge January Loss at Maine VEAZIE, Maine (Interstat) — A pivotal America East women’s basketball clash with postseason implications is set for Thursday when the Maine Black Bears host the Albany Great Danes at Cross Insurance Center. Both teams enter the final stretch of the regular season with nearly identical records. Maine (15-12 overall) holds a slight edge over Albany (14-13) in the conference standings. The Black Bears secured a 65-60 victory in the first meeting in Albany on Jan. 22, adding another layer of urgency for the visiting Great Danes. The matchup features two of the league’s top performers. Maine is powered by forward Adrianna Smith, who is coming off a dominant 35-point, 14-rebound, five-assist effort in a win over New Hampshire on Feb. 21. Smith has been a consistent force, recording a double-double in five of her last six games. Albany will counter with guard Delanie Hill, who logged a staggering 47 minutes in a double-overtime win against Maryland-Baltimore County on Feb. 21, finishing with 19 points, six rebounds and three assists. Hill leads a Great Danes squad seeking more consistent offense after scoring 64 points or fewer in four of their last five games. Maine has found success at home lately, winning three of its last four at Cross Insurance Center, including a 92-42 rout of Massachusetts-Lowell on Jan. 31. Albany, however, is looking to build momentum after snapping a three-game skid with its double-overtime victory last weekend. The result will likely impact seeding for the upcoming America East tournament. With both teams having just one conference game scheduled after Thursday, a win is critical for securing a more favorable path. Albany visits New Hampshire on Saturday, Feb. 28. Maine will remain at home to host Binghamton on the same date. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.