NAC Basketball Preseason Polls Released at Annual Media Day
MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- The 2008-09 Northern Athletics Conference preseason coaches' polls were released today at the annual basketball media day hosted by Alverno College in Milwaukee.

The conference also has changed the format of its schedule and standings to a divisional format. This year the North Division consists of Concordia University Wisconsin, Edgewood College, Lakeland College, Maranatha Baptist Bible College, Marian University and Rockford College. The South Division Consists of Alverno College, Aurora University, Benedictine University, Concordia University Chicago, Dominican University, MSOE and Wisconsin Lutheran College.

Marian University was picked first in the men's North Division receiving eight first place votes and 65 total points. The Sabres finished in a tie for second in the NAC last season with a 12-6 record (16-11 overall).

Edgewood College (13-13, 10-8 NAC) was picked second in the North, receiving a first place vote and 57 points. Lakeland College (17-11, 10-8) was selected third and received two first place votes. Concordia University Wisconsin (14-11, 9-9) was tabbed fourth receiving the remaining first place votes and 44 poll points.

Rockford College (1-24, 1-17) was picked fifth with 20 points while Maranatha Baptist Bible College (8-20, 2-16) was picked sixth in the North with 18 points.

In the men's South Division, two-time defending NAC champion Aurora University (22-7, 16-2) was picked first, receiving six first place votes and 64 poll points.

Benedictine University (11-15, 10-8) received the other six first place votes, and was picked second with 61 poll points.

MSOE (17-10, 11-7) was tabbed third with 47 points, while Dominican University (14-12, 11-7) and Wisconsin Lutheran College (18-8, 12-6) both received 33 points for a fourth place spot in the poll. Concordia University Chicago (5-20, 4-14) rounded out the South with 14 points and a sixth place selection.

In the women's NAC North Division, two-time defending champion Concordia University Wisconsin (20-7, 17-1) was the heavy favorite, receiving 11 of the 13 first place votes.

Edgewood College (17-11, 12-6) received the remaining two first place votes, and 64 poll points for a second place selection. Lakeland College (15-11, 12-6) was selected third with 54 points.

Marian College (8-17, 5-13) was tabbed fourth tallying 37 points, Rockford College (15-10, 11-7) was picked fifth with 29 points, and Maranatha Baptist Bible College (13-16, 3-15) was picked sixth with 14.

In the women's South Division, Wisconsin Lutheran College (18-10, 14-4) received nine first place votes and 87 poll points for the first place spot. Aurora University (13-13, 11-7) received three first place votes and 80 poll points for second. Benedictine University (13-13, 10-8) was chosen third with 56 points.

Concordia University Chicago (17-10, 13-5) received the remaining first place vote and was picked fourth in the South with 53 points. Dominican University (9-16, 7-11) was tabbed fifth with 48 points, Alverno College (5-20, 1-17) sixth with 21, and MSOE (1-24, 1-17) seventh with 19 points.

The NAC tournament champions (men's and women's) will receive the conference's automatic berth to the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament.

Addition information on the teams and the new divisional format can be found in the 2008-09 NAC Basketball Media Guide.

Northern Athletics Conference, Sports Information Department, November 7, 2008.