Wichita State, coming off a 25-win season and with four returning starters, is the preseason men's pick to win the Missouri Valley Conference.

Missouri State, which returns its top five starters from a third-place team, was favored to win the women's title in polling released Tuesday.

Wichita State received 33 of 39 first-place votes from coaches, media and sports information directors. Guard Toure' Murray is a member of the preseason all-conference team.

Missouri State was picked to finish second, followed by Northern Iowa, Creighton and Bradley in the men's division.

Missouri State got 27 first-place votes in the women's division, plus guard Casey Garrison was named unanimous preseason play of hte
year. Northern Iowa was picked for second followed by Creighton,
Illinois State and Wichita State.