Feb. 4, 2011

Rider ranked No. 1 in Metro Atlantic preseason poll

Defending champion Rider was picked to win the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, in voting by the league’s head coaches and released by the conference office.

The Broncs collected 73 points to take the top spot. Marist got 67 points to take second, two points more than third-place Canisius, regular-season champ in 2010. Manhattan was fourth, followed by Siena, Niagara, Fairfield, Saint Peter’s and Iona.

The 2011 season starts on Friday, Feb. 18. The conference tournament will be played at Waterfront Park in Trenton, N.J., from May 25-29. Rider will serve as host.

Metro Atlantic Preseason Poll

Team, Points (2010 MAAC, Overall Records)

1. Rider, 73 (15-9, 36-23)

2. Marist, 67 (16-8, 33-22)

3. Canisius, 65 (19-5, 39-21)

4. Manhattan, 56 (15-9, 31-20)

5. Siena, 51 (13-11, 27-27)

6. Niagara, 28 (13-11, 17-36)

7. Fairfield, 27 (8-16, 18-32)

8. Saint Peter’s, 20 (6-18, 18-34)

9. Iona, 18 (3-21, 9-40)