Feb. 17, 2009

click here for CBI America East preview

Binghamton, the defending regular-season champion, edged tournament titlist Stony Brook in the America East Preseason poll, in voting by the league’s head coaches and released by the conference office.

The Bearcats received four first-place votes and 34 points to squeak past the Seawolves, who earned three first-place votes and 33 points.

Maine was third with 24 points, followed by Vermont and Albany. Hartford and UMBC tied for sixth.

The season begins on Feb. 20. The top four teams will participate in the America East Championship May 21-23 at the highest seed which has a field with lights.

America East Preseason Poll

1. Binghamton (4) 34 (29-27, 15-8)

2. Stony Brook (3) 33 (34-26, 14-10)

3. Maine 24 (20-28-1, 8-15)

4. Vermont 22 (27-24, 12-11)

5. Albany 12 (17-37-1, 10-14)

6. Hartford 11 (18-31, 10-13)

6. UMBC 11 (21-29, 13-11)