Northeast Conference coaches picked defending champion Robert Morris to finish tied for third in the conference, according to a preseason poll released this morning.

Mount St. Mary's was picked to finish first and Long Island State second. Quinnipiac tied Robert Morris in the preseason poll.

Mount St. Mary's was also picked to win the conference last year.

No Colonials were selected to the preseason all-conference team.

Robert Morris opens the season at Syracuse on Nov. 11.

Last year, the Colonials won the NEC regular season and tournament titles, advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1992. They lost in the first round to eventual runner-up Michigan State, 77-62.

Two of Robert Morris' top five scorers from last year's team graduated, including NEC Player of the Year Jeremy Chappell.

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