PORTLAND – They won their game in Erie, Pa., on Thursday night. The reward for the Maine Red Claws was a day of travel Friday.

Bus to Buffalo. Fly to Boston. Bus to Portland.

“Life in the D-League,” Maine Coach Mike Taylor said by phone, as he headed to Buffalo.

But the road seems to suit the Red Claws. They are 3-0 in away games, contrasted to an 0-2 record at home.

They can even that home ledger this weekend with a pair of games at the Portland Expo. Maine (3-2) plays the Fort Wayne Mad Ants Saturday at 7, and then takes on the Canton Charge Sunday at 5 p.m.

Taylor talked about the focus his team has shown on the road. He’d like some attention to detail at the Expo, as well.

“We got to have that self-discipline and concentration at home,” Taylor said.

Tonight will be the Expo debut of newly-acquired 6-foot-8 forward Dajuan Summers, the former Georgetown player who has logged NBA time with the Pistons and Hornets.

In Thursday’s 113-111 win over Erie, Summers came off the bench to score 12 points and add eight rebounds.

“That was a great move by (Celtics director of player personnel) Austin (Ainge), signing DaJuan,” Taylor said. “A player with an NBA background. Very experienced. He made a big difference in his first game.”

Also in that Erie game, 6-9 guard/forward Micah Downs scored 27. Point guard Shelvin Mack added 23.

Maine opened its season with wins at Canton and Fort Wayne. Now the Red Claws get a chance to give the home crowd a win, or two. “You have to protect your home court,” Taylor said.

NOTE: Tonight is billed as “Patriots Night.” As part of the promotion, former New England Patriots fullback Patrick Pass will sign autographs before the game. Patriots mascot Pat Patriot will also be present.

Staff Writer Kevin Thomas can be contacted at 791-6411 or at:

kthomas@pressherald.com

Twitter: KevinThomasPPH