Villanova picked second in Big East men’s basketball preseason poll

There’s a new preseason No. 1 in the Big East, breaking a five-year long streak that the Villanova Wildcats had as the projected top team heading into the season.

The Seton Hall Pirates were voted No. 1, with the defending conference champions Villanova coming in at No. 2.

Despite both Seton Hall and Villanova receiving five first-place votes each, the Pirates were able to edge the ‘Cats by a one-point margin.

Last season, the Wildcats finished the year 26-10 overall, with a 13-5 showing in conference play. They reclaimed the regular season title and then pulled off the first-ever Big East Tournament three-peat. Their season eventually ended with a loss to the Purdue Boilermakers in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.