ST. LOUIS - Missouri State has been tabbed as the preseason favorite in the MVC women’s basketball race in the annual survey of the league’s coaches, sports information directors and media. The Lady Bears received 33 of 40 first-place votes and 360 total points, out-distancing Bradley (328, 7 1st place votes), UNI (288) and Drake (282). Illinois State (223), Southern Illinois (201), Valparaiso (176), Loyola (133), Indiana State (129) and Evansville (80) round out the poll.