Feb. 12, 2013

Kent State favored to repeat in MAC

Kent State was the heavy favorite to repeat as Mid-American Conference Tournament Champion in the MAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll, in voting by the league’s head coaches as released by the conference office.

The Golden Flashes, under head coach Scott Stricklin (left), picked up nine of a possible 12 votes to win the MAC tourney, with one vote each going to Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan and Toledo.

KSU was a strong favorite to win the East Division, amassing 72 points. Miami was second with 58 points, followed by Bowling Green, Ohio, Akron and Buffalo. Central Michigan got 65 points to win the West Division, edging Toledo with 60 points. Eastern Michigan came in third, followed by Western Michigan, Ball State and Northern Illinois.

The Golden Flashes ran away with the East Division in 2012 with a 24-3 conference mark. KSU set a program record with 46 victories and reached the College World Series for the first time. Toledo was tops a season ago with a 19-8 conference record.

The 2013 campaign begins on Friday, Feb. 15, with all 12 teams in action on Opening Weekend. Conference play kicks off the weekend of March 22-24. The MAC Tournament will be held for the second straight year at All Pro Freight Stadium in Avon, Ohio. The eight-team tournament will be played May 22-25.

2013 MAC Preseason Poll

East Division

Team, Points (2012 MAC, Overall Records)

1. Kent State 72 (24-3, 46-18)

2. Miami 58 (12-15, 30-29)

3. Bowling Green 44 (9-18, 20-33)

4. Ohio 34 (16-11, 28-29)

5. Akron 25 (10-17, 17-38)

6. Buffalo 19 (10-16, 20-36)

West Division

Team, Points (2012 MAC, Overall Records)

1. Central Michigan 65 (17-10, 34-29)

2. Toledo 60 (19-8, 30-27)

3. Eastern Michigan 54 (14-13, 25-31)

4. Western Michigan 36 (14-12, 26-29)

5. Ball State 23 (9-18, 14-36)

6. Northern Illinois 15 (7-20, 15-40)

Tournament Champion: Kent State (9 votes), Central Michigan (1), Eastern Michigan (1), Toledo (1)

(photo courtesy of KSU Media Relations)