Sports

Calvin, Hope picked to win respective titles

Saturday, November 8, 2008 6:19 AM EST

ROYAL OAK - Calvin College has been installed as the preseason favorite to win the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association men's basketball title, while defending champion Hope College is the preseason pick of coaches to win the MIAA women's basketball crown.

According to the preseason coaches' poll released Thursday, the Knights, who finished third in the MIAA a year ago and reached the championship game of the league tournament, narrowly edged defending champion Hope. Calvin (16-11 a year ago) picked up five first-place votes to three for the Flying Dutchmen, who graduated four starters from a team that posted a 28-4 record and finished third in last year's NCAA Division III tournament.

In the women's poll, Hope (30-1 last year) picked up six of the nine first-place votes, while runnerup Calvin (15-9 last year) received 2 1/2 first place votes. The Flying Dutch, who graduated four starters from a team that reached the Elite Eight of last year's NCAA tournament, are seeking their fourth MIAA title in five years.

2008-09 MIAA Men's Basketball Preseason Poll

(first place votes in parenthesis)

1. Calvin 10 (5)

2. Hope 11 (3)

3. Albion 20

4. Olivet 29

5. Adrian 30

6. Trine 32

7. Kalamazoo 45

8. Alma 47

2008-09 MIAA Women's Basketball Preseason Poll

(first place votes in parenthesis)

1. Hope 11 (6)

2. Calvin 14.5 (2.5)

3. Albion 21.5 (0.5)

4. Saint Mary's 31

5. Adrian 34

6. Olivet 46

7. Alma 53

7. Trine 53

9. Kalamazoo 60

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