OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Mid-America Christian University Evangels have been picked to finish seventh in the Sooner Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches poll, the league released today (Oct. 15).  

Oklahoma Baptist University was narrowly chosen as the preseason favorite, receiving six first-place votes to edge out Southwestern Assemblies of God University and defending regular season champion John Brown University.  SAGU got four first-place votes and JBU received the remaining first-place nod. 

Oklahoma City University came in fourth, followed by Texas Wesleyan University and Wayland Baptist University.  MACU was next, with USAO, St. Gregory's University, Southwestern Christian University and Northwood University rounding out the 11-team poll. 

The Evangels finished tied for third in the SAC last season, their best finish since joining the NAIA.  

MACU will open the season with a pair of exhibition contests, beginning at NCAA D-II Midwestern State University on Oct. 30 in Wichita Falls, Texas.  The Evangels will then host NCAA D-II Southwestern Oklahoma State University on Nov. 2.