Ball State may have lost five starters from last season's NCAA tournament team but the Mid-American Conference still has confidence in their talent.
The 12 coaches in the MAC voted Ball State to finish second in the MAC West Division for the 2012 season with the team also receiving one of the 12 first place votes within the division.
Western Michigan finished last season with a 24-9 record and returns all but two of its starters. The Broncos were also selected to win the regular season and conference tournament championships.
Ohio was selected with 11 first place votes to finish first in the MAC East Division.
Ball State will open the season Friday against Gardner-Webb for the Ball State Active Ankle Challenge starting in Worthen Arena at 7 p.m.
2012 MAC Preseason Poll
MAC EAST DIVISION
1. Ohio (11)
2. Miami (1)
3. Bowling Green
4. Buffalo
5. Kent State
6. Akron
MAC WEST DIVISION
1. Western Michigan (10)
2. Ball State (1)
3. Central Michigan (1)
4. Northern Illinois
5. Eastern Michigan
6. Toledo
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