Basketball teams picked to finish last

CLEVELAND – The men's and women's basketball teams were both picked to finish last in the preseason Mid-American Conference West Division rankings Tuesday.

On the men's side, Akron was picked to win the East Division, while Toledo was picked to win the west.

UA returns Romeo Travis and Dru Joyce from last season's 23-10 team.

The Zips are followed in the preseason rankings by Ohio, Kent State, Miami University, Buffalo and Bowling Green.

Toledo returns four starters from last season, including 2005-06 second team All-MAC selection Justin Ingram

Northern Illinois was picked to finish second in the west followed by Western Michigan, Ball State, Eastern Michigan and CMU

CMU's men's team finished 4-24 last season, but return all five starters. Junior point guard Giordan Watson was picked to the preseason All-MAC team. Coach Ernie Zeigler begins his first season as coach.

In the women's rankings, Bowling Green was picked to win the East Division, while Eastern was selected as the West Division champion.

The Falcons finished 16-0 in MAC play last season and return all five starters.

They are followed by Kent State, Miami, Ohio, Buffalo and Akron.

Eastern has posted 20-plus win seasons for three consecutive years. The Eagles were one of four teams to receive first place votes in the west.

Western is slated to finish second followed by Ball State, Northern Illinois, Toledo and CMU.

The Chippewas posted their first winning season under coach Eileen Kleinfelter (16-12) last season. They return honorable mention All-MAC performer Ann Skufca.

Check out Wednesday's issue of CM Life for complete story.