Feb. 10, 2012

Canisius tops tight MAAC Preseason Poll

Canisius edged Rider by the narrowest of margins for first in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Preseason Poll, in voting by the league’s head coaches and released by the conference office.

The Golden Griffins garnered 61 points to nip Rider by one point. Defending champion Manhattan was a close third with 59 points. Iona came in fourth with 56 points, followed by Marist, Siena, Fairfield, Saint Peter’s and Niagara.

The 2012 season starts on Friday, Feb. 17, with seven of the nine teams in action. Conference play begins the weekend of March 24-25. The top four squads will advance to the 2012 MAAC Championship, to be played May 24-26 at Joe Bruno Stadium in Troy, N.Y.

2012 Metro Atlantic Preseason Coaches Poll

Team, Points (2011 MAAC, Overall Records)

1. Canisius, 61 (12-10, 26-32)

2. Rider, 60 (16-7, 33-18)

3. Manhattan, 59 (20-2, 34-19)

4. Iona, 56 (7-17, 17-34)

5. Marist, 53 (13-11, 35-17)

6. Siena, 43 (14-10, 28-30)

7. Fairfield, 42 (13-11, 22-25)

8. Saint Peter’s 16 (5-18, 16-34)

9. Niagara, 15 (5-19, 8-40)