ST. LOUIS – Belmont University 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. Belmont received 32 of 48 first-place votes and 508 total points, out-distancing Illinois State (444, 7 1st place votes) and Drake (438, 6 1st place votes). Murray State (397), UNI (393), Missouri State (388), Southern Illinois (270), Indiana State (257), Evansville (207), Valparaiso (197), Bradley (133) and UIC (112) round out the poll.