No. 2 UConn preseason choice to win Big East

NEW YORK (AP) — UConn is the clear choice to win the women's title in the Big East Conference.

Geno Auriemma's team has been picked every year as the preseason No. 1 in the conference since the Huskies rejoined the Big East in 2020. The Huskies received all 10 possible first-place votes Wednesday from the league’s head coaches, who were not allowed to vote for their own teams.

UConn, which is No. 2 in the preseason AP poll, returns Paige Bueckers, who was the conference's Player of the Year last season. She is predicted to win it again. The Huskies also have the top freshman in Sarah Strong.

Creighton was picked second with Providence, St. John's and Georgetown next. Villanova was sixth, followed by Seton Hall, Butler and DePaul.

The Blue Demons are missing coach Doug Bruno, who is sidelined after having a medical incident last month. Assistant Jill M. Pizzotti has assumed the role of interim head coach.

Marquette, which is led by new coach Cara Consuegra, was chosen 10th. Xavier rounds out the rankings.

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AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll