October 30, 1998

NEWARK, NJ - The Providence women's basketball team was picked to finish 10th in the BIG EAST in the preseason poll as voted on by the league's head coaches and announced at the Annual Basketball Media Day in Newark, NJ. The University of Connecticut was selected to win the league, which returns to a one-division format for the 1998-99 season.

Connecticut advanced to the NCAA East Region final and finished with a 34-3 mark and a 17-1 conference record. The Huskies received nine first place votes and 141 points in the poll.

Rutgers earned the remaining four first place votes and finished second in the poll with 136 points. The Scarlet Knights compiled a 22-10 record last season and won the BE 7 Division with a 14-4 conference mark. Rutgers advanced to the NCAA Mideast Region semifinals.

1998-99 BIG EAST Coaches' Preseason Poll.

1. Connecticut (9) 141 2. Rutgers (4) 136 3. Notre Dame 120 4. Boston College 108 5. Villanova 95 6. Miami 83 7. Georgetown 68 8t. Syracuse 63 8t. West Virginia 63 10. Providence 48 11. St. John's 32 12. Seton Hall 30 13. Pittsburgh 26