Maine was the youngest team in the America East in 2007-08. All too often, it showed.

The Black Bears lost a slew of close games before injuries took their toll and made it hard for Maine to stay competitive. Maine lost its last seven and 10 of its last 11.

Maine showed it had talent by winning 77-74 at America East regular-season champion UMBC. That was easily the biggest win of the season.

But the Black Bears struggled offensively most nights. They finished last in the conference in turnover margin and second-to-last in assists.

Injuries hit hard. Losing sophomore point guard Junior Bernal to a bad ankle sprain late in the season proved especially costly.

Next year could be make-or-break for head coach Ted Woodward. He has recruited mostly homegrown talent, and that strategy must pay off next season.

With every key player returning except senior center Brian Andre, the Black Bears should climb to the middle of the pack.

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