ST LOUIS -- The Panthers have been selected to finish fifth in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) by league coaches, sports information directors, and media members.
Newcomers Belmont has been tabbed as the preseason favorites with 32 first place votes and 508 total points. UNI was selected fifth with 393 points just four points behind Murray State in a close preseason race. The top five teams selected by coaches, SIDs, and media include Belmont, Illinois State (seven first place votes, 444 points), Drake (six first place votes, 438 points), Murray State (two first place votes, 397 points), and UNI.