KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Western men’s basketball team is selected 12th in the 2016-17 MIAA Preseason Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll which was released Wednesday morning.

Western is coming off a 12-18 overall record last season, including a 9-13 mark in MIAA play. The Griffons finished 11th in the standings last season, upsetting Washburn in the opening round of the MIAA Tournament before being eliminated by Missouri Southern.

Fifth-year head coach Brett Weiberg returns five lettermen from the 2015-16 team.

Defending champion Northwest Missouri State was picked first in the poll. Washburn, Fort Hays State, Lincoln and Missouri Southern rounded out the top-five.

The Griffons open the season Nov. 4 with an exhibition game at Texas Tech. The first home game is Nov. 11 during the Hillyard Tip-Off Classic. Missouri Western will play Wayne State (Neb.) and Upper Iowa in the event.

2016-17 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Northwest Missouri (13)     169
2. Washburn (1)                     147
3. Fort Hays State                  129
4. Lincoln                                123
5. Missouri Southern               111
6. Nebraska-Kearney              104
7. Central Oklahoma                 94
8. Pittsburg State                      93
9. Central Missouri                    92
10. Lindenwood                         72
11. Emporia State                      55
12. Missouri Western                 45
13. Northeastern State              22
14. Southwest Baptist                18

— MWSU Athletics —