Each of the league’s nine head coaches had a vote, and was not allowed to vote for their own squad.  Eight points were awarded for a first-place vote, with one point less being awarded for each place down to one point for an eighth-place vote.

UIC received six of the nine first-place votes and tallied 62 points to be tabbed the preseason favorite.  Loyola registered two first-place votes en route to 56 points, while Butler received the remaining nod for the top spot, recording 49 points.  Cleveland State (44 pts.) and Green Bay (38 pts.) preceded the Crusaders, who registered 25 points, in the polling.  Milwaukee (22 pts.), Wright State (16 pts.) and Detroit (12 pts.) rounded out the preseason projections.

Valparaiso has two games remaining in exhibition play and will take the field next on Saturday when it hosts Big East side Marquette at Brown Field.  Kickoff is slated for 5 p.m.