BROOKLYN, N.Y.—In the first United States Collegiate Athletic Association coaches' poll released on Friday, the St. Joseph's College (Brooklyn) men's basketball team entered tied for No. 4 while the women's basketball team entered at No. 8.

Currently at 6-3, the Bears are off to one of the best starts under Coach Joe Cocozello. The No. 4 ranking is the highest for the Bears in the last two seasons, reaching as high as No. 7 for three weeks in the 2012-13 season when they also qualified for their fifth USCAA National Championship—their first in USCAA Division I—ending a five-year drought.

The Lady Bears (3-3) climbed as high as sixth last season before culminating their season as the No. 7 seed at the USCAA National Championships, their eighth appearance in program history.

Also appearing in the Top 10 in both polls is The Apprentice School, at No. 7 for both men and women, setting up a for a key matchup when the Builders visit The Hill Center in the first home games of the new year on Saturday, January 10.

Both the Bears and Lady Bears return to action after a one-and-a-half week break for finals on Thursday, December 18th welcoming sibling campus rivals St. Joseph's (Long Island) to The Hill Center for in the annual East vs. West doubleheader. The twinbill will begin with the women playing at 5:30 p.m. and the official grand opening ceremonies for the gym taking place between both games.

Tickets for the game are completely sold out and are not available at the door. Fans are invited to watch the entire doubleheader and grand opening ceremonies on SJCBears.com. 

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USCAA Coaches' Polls - Week 1

Men's Division 1 Basketball

Others receiving votes: Carlow University (96), Marygrove University (37)

Women's Division I Basketball

Others receiving votes: SUNY Canton (63), Illinois Tech (31)