The University of Maine men's basketball team will travel to Costa Rica next week to compete against international talent and take part in community service and team-bonding activities.

The Black Bears will visit the country from Aug. 14 to Aug. 20.

"We're very excited to be able to take this trip," said head coach Richard Barron. "In addition to the trip itself, we are going to take full advantage of our 10 practices in order to start to come together as a team. I am sure that this trip will help build and strengthen the relationships of team members."

The Black Bears will play three games while in Costa Rica, taking on the University of Calgary twice and playing a single game against San Ramon.

"With a new staff and half of the roster being new as well, this will be an important time for us to establish expectations and to get to know each other better through the game we all love," Barron said.

College basketball teams are allowed to take one international trip every four years. The UMaine women's team took a trip to Italy in 2015.

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