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In his second year as head coach, Dana Ford has built Missouri State into a team that should contend for a Missouri Valley Conference title.
Entering the 2019-20 season, the Bears are officially the favorites.
The Valley announced Thursday morning that the men were selected to finish atop the conference.
More: Inside Dana Ford's path to building Missouri State into a championship-caliber team
The Lady Bears, coming off an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance, were picked to finish second.