Orono, Maine -- The America East Conference announced on Monday morning that the University of Maine men's basketball program was tied for second in the preseason poll for the 2025-26 season.

Maine, who reached the America East Finals for the first time in 20 years after finishing last season with a 20-14 record, along with a 10-6 record in America East play, concluded the season ranked 33rd in total defense (66.1 PPG allowed) in the NCAA, which was the third best mark in the America East. Their 70.9 PPG on offense was the fifth-best mark in the conference.

Markwood, who enters his fourth season at the helm of the Black Bears, has compiled a 48-48 record, the most wins in the first three years with the program since 1958-1960.

The Black Bears are in a tie for second on the preseason poll with 47 points, including their only first place vote in the Markwood era.

Vermont leads the poll with 63 points and seven of the nine first place votes. UAlbany is tied with the Black Bears at 47 points, followed by UMass Lowell with 39, including the final first place vote. Binghamton, Bryant, UMBC, NJIT and UNH round out the poll.

2025-26 Men's #AEHoops Preseason Poll

1. Vermont	63 (7)
T2. Maine	47 (1)
T2. UAlbany	47
4. UMass Lowell	39 (1)
5. Binghamton	37
6. Bryant	35
7. UMBC	31
8. NJIT	13
9. New Hampshire	12

-UMaine-