Aurora University tabbed preseason favorite by NAC men's basketball coaches

Northern Athletics Conference, Sports Information Department

VERONA, Wis. -- Aurora University received 8 of the 11 first place votes in the Northern Athletics Conference men's basketball coaches' preseason poll, as was picked to win the inaugural NAC title this upcoming season. Lakeland College, who received the remaining three first place votes, was selected second in the poll, while Edgewood College was picked third.

The Aurora University Spartans (16-9) finished second in the former Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference last season, and finished the season on a strong note, winning five of their last seven games, falling only to NIIC champion, Clarke College, twice. Aurora made the NCAA Division III Championship in 2005, falling in the first round to Calvin College. That appearance marked their third trip to the national event in six seasons, and fourth overall.

The Muskies of Lakeland College finished the 2005-06 campaign with a 21-6 record, and won the championship in the former Lake Michigan Conference with a 13-1 mark. The Muskies made their first and only trip to the NCAA Championship two seasons ago in 2004, falling to Lawrence University.

Edgewood College (15-12) finished last season strong, winning 9 of their last 12 games. The Eagles defeated Lakeland in the LMC tournament semifinal, before losing to Wisconsin Lutheran College in the tournament final. Edgewood has appeared in the NCAA Division III Championship in both 2002 and 2005.