That's 0-for-3 against Maine for the week and 0-for-4 against the Red Claws this season, as the Mad Ants lost to Maine 113-111 at Memorial Coliseum on Thursday.

It was the third time within a week that the Ants (10-19) have lost to the Red Claws, who beat them earlier this season.

The positive news is that Ron Howard returned from a fractured thumb and scored 27 points.

But point production is secondary next to the way the team is playing defense - which it isn't. Yes, Maine hit some big three-pointers down the stretch in securing the win, but a lot of them weren't contested well. And these are, after all, professionals.

So the Ants take the show on the road to Canton, Ohio for a game Friday, and are back next Sunday against Springfield.