Bearcats 3rd, Griffs 12th & 13th in MIAA Preseason Polls
By: Matthew Tritten
Updated: October 24, 2012
(KANSAS CITY, Mo.) With the basketball season getting underway in the next week, the MIAA released its preseason rankings for the men's teams.
Northwest Missouri State is picked to finish 3rd in both the MIAA Preseason Coaches' and Media Polls, while Missouri Western State is selected to finish 12th by the coaches and 13th by the media.
The Bearcats are coming off a 22-7 overall record, and 15-5 in the MIAA, the best under fourth year head coach Ben McCollum.
Northwest also made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament, but were knocked out in the first round by Washburn.
The Griffons were 9-17 a season ago, and 4-16 in the MIAA.
The season was highlighted by head coach Tom Smith's 600th career victory as a head coach. That came in a 14-point win over Fontbonne in the first game of the season.
Both teams begin 2012 with an exhibition game next week.
Northwest plays at the University of Missouri on Monday, while Missouri Western plays at Missouri State Tuesday.
2012-13 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Washburn (11) 188
2. Central Missouri (3) 180
3. Northwest Missouri (1) 170
T4. Fort Hays State 137
T4. Pittsburg State 137
6. Missouri Southern 131
7. Central Oklahoma 119
8. Lindenwood 107
9. Southwest Baptist 89
10. Emporia State 73
11. Nebraska-Kearney 70
12. Missouri Western 65
13. Truman 54
14. Northeastern State 39
15. Lincoln 16
2012-13 MIAA Preseason Media Poll
1. Washburn (17) 267
2. Central Missouri 243
3. Northwest Missouri 236
4. Missouri Southern (1) 204
5. Pittsburg State 173
T6. Fort Hays State 171
T6. Lindenwood 171
8. Southwest Baptist 146
9. Central Oklahoma 132
10. Emporia State 96
11. Nebraska-Kearney 94
12. Truman 89
13. Missouri Western 74
14. Northeastern State 43
15. Lincoln 21
