Feb. 8, 2013

Coaches' Preseason All-OVC team

Austin Peay picked to repeat in OVC Preseason Poll

Having won the regular season and tournament titles each of the past two years, Austin Peay is the favorite in the Ohio Valley Conference Preseason Poll, in voting by the league’s head coaches and sports information directors as released by the conference office.

The Govs picked up 14 first-place votes and 193 points to claim the top spot ahead of OVC newcomer Belmont, with eight first-place votes and 182 points. The Bruins won the regular season and tournament titles in the Atlantic Sun in 2012.

Austin Peay has registered three regional wins over the past two seasons. The Govs defeated Georgia Tech in 2011, while downing Indiana State and Cal State Fullerton in 2012.

Jacksonville State earned 156 points to take fourth, followed by Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Illinois, Tennessee Tech, SIUE, Southeast Missouri, Morehead State, Murray State and UT Martin.

The 2013 campaign begins on Friday, Feb. 15, with all 11 teams in action. Conference play kicks off the weekend of March 8-10. For the fourth consecutive year, the OVC Championship will be held at Pringles Park in Jackson, Tenn. The six-team double elimination tournament will be held May 22-26.

2013 OVC Preseason Poll

Team, Points (First Place) (2012 OVC, Overall Records)

1. Austin Peay 193 (14) (19-7, 40-24)

2. Belmont 182 (8) (17-10 A-Sun, 39-24)

3. Jacksonville State 156 (17-10, 28-30)

4. Eastern Kentucky 139 (19-7, 31-23)

5. Eastern Illinois 133 (15-11, 29-29)

6. Tennessee Tech 107 (10-16, 21-32)

7. SIUE 91 (13-14, 27-28)

8. Southeast Missouri 73 (12-15, 23-36)

9. Morehead State 70 (13-14, 28-27)

10. Murray State 45 (8-19, 23-33)

11. UT Martin 21 (7-20, 13-41)

(photo by Olivia Westover)