GREENVILLE, S.C. – Coming off a runner-up finish in the 2025-26 Conference Carolinas Tournament, UNC Pembroke was picked to finish tied for second in the 2026-27 Conference Carolinas Preseason Poll, league officials announced Thursday.

Lander received 10 first-place votes and tallied 191 points to take the top spot ahead of Newberry and UNCP, who each tallied 164 points. Newberry received four first-place votes with the Braves picking up the final first-place vote. Montevallo earned 156 points to slot in at fourth, with Belmont Abbey totaling 152 points to round out the top five. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own team.

The Braves will open the regular season Sunday, November 1 as they head to Glenville, W. Va. for the Pioneer Open, before returning home to host the PJ Smith Pembroke Classic on Saturday, November 7.