Eastern’s men’s basketball team will open up a three-game home stand today against the University of Maine.

The Panthers are currently 3-2, while Maine enters the game at 2-1.

The Black Bears have an explosive offense that is averaging 81.7 points per game. The unit is led by freshman guard Justin Edwards who is averaging 22 points per game, as well as a team-high seven rebounds. Edwards provides a threat from three-point range as he is shooting 50 percent this season.

Edwards isn’t just a good offensive player, he is averaging 4.3 steals and over one block per game. He anchors a defense that is giving up 63 points per game, while holding its opponents 38 percent shooting from the field.

Senior guard Gerald McLemore gives Maine another potent scoring option. He is averaging 19.5 points per game and is shooting 50 percent from the three-point line as well.

The Panthers are 2-0 at home this season with wins over Loyola-Chicago and Eureka College.

Eastern’s offense has played well and is averaging 77 points per game. The unit is paced by pre-season All-Ohio Valley Conference senior guard Jeremy Granger. Granger is averaging 17.6 points per game. Granger is a very capable scorer, but his production does not stop there. He is averaging 3.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. Granger is also one of the nations top free-throw shooters at 95 percent this season.

Sophomore forward Alfonzo McKinnie has developed into a good second option on offense. McKinnie is the only other player on Eastern’s roster that is scoring in double-figures. He scores 11 points per game.

McKinnie leads a defense. He is averaging 6.4 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.6 blocks per game, all of which lead the team.

Eastern and Maine have not played since 1993 and Maine leads the all-time series 3-1. The Panthers last win against the Black Bears was 71-63 on Dec. 1, 1992.

Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Lantz Arena.