LANCASTER, Pa. - Marymount University received 4 first-place votes to finish with 34 points atop the 2021 Atlantic East Conference Men's Basketball Preseason Poll, as voted upon by the conference's head coaches. 

Gwynedd Mercy University, the 2018-19 conference champions, were only edged by 1 point to earn second place in the poll with 33 points points and 3 first-place votes. The Griffins defeated the Saints 75-69 in the 2018-19 title game.

Neumann University came in at third place in the rankings with 23 points. Tied for fourth were Centenary University and Cabrini University with 16 points each. The 2021-22 season will be Centenary's inaugural men's basketball season in the Atlantic East Conference.

Marywood University and Immacuata University rounded out the poll with 13 points and 12 points, respectively. 

Immaculata and and Marywood tip-off Friday, November 5th while Neumann and Gwynedd Mercy begin their season Saturday, November 6th in the same opening tournament. Cabrini opens their season Monday, November 8th and Centenary and Marymount begin November 12th and 13th. 

Conference play will commence on Tuesday, December 21st with a match-up between Marymount and Centenary.

The 2021-22 Atlantic East Tournament is set to begin with the quarterfinal round on Monday, February 21st, followed by the semifinals on Wednesday, February 23rd, and the title contest on Saturday, February 26th.