Bears Picked Third in MASCAC Men's Basketball Preseason Poll

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University men's basketball team has been picked to finish in third place in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) standings as the 2025-2026 MASCAC Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches Poll was released today by conference director of media relations, Emily Loux.

The Bears received 36 points in the poll including a pair of first-place votes as they tied Worcester State University for the third spot in the poll. Westfield State University is the preseason favorite to capture the MASCAC title as the defending champion Owls picked up 55 points and five first-place votes. Salem State University is second in the poll with 40 points and a first-place vote.

Under the guidance of fourth-year head coach Matt McLaughlin, the Bridgewater State men's basketball team will return to the court on Wednesday, November 12th when the Bears host UMass Dartmouth at 7:30 PM from the Tinsley Center.

The MASCAC schedule gets underway on Wednesday, January 7th when the Bears head to Fitchburg State University for a seven o'clock game with the Falcons.

McLaughlin guided the Bears' men's basketball team to a 10-16 record in 2024-2025 including a 5-7 MASCAC mark. Seeded fifth in the MASCAC Tournament, the Bears dropped a tough 63-60 decision to fourth-seeded Framingham State University in the quarterfinal round.