Busting Brackets
Fansided

OVC Basketball: Preseason preview for 2018-19

By Logan Butts

SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 16: The Murray State Racers mascot performs on the court in the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 16: The Murray State Racers mascot performs on the court in the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 16: Jonathan Stark #2 of the Murray State Racers handles the ball in the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 16: Jonathan Stark #2 of the Murray State Racers handles the ball in the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) /

Murray State

2017-18 Record: 26-6 (16-2)

Finish: Lost in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament to West Virginia 

Leading Returning Scorer: Ja Morant – 12.7 

Top Non-conference Games: at Alabama, at Auburn, at Middle Tennessee, vs Missouri State 

With the loss of OVC Player of the Year Jonathan Stark and glue guy extraordinaire Terrell Miller, the Racers have a touches vacuum. Luckily Morant, one of the most exciting freshmen in the country last season, is here to fill that void.

SIUE

2017-18 Record: 9-21 (5-13)

Finish: First round loss in the OVC Tournament to Tennessee Tech 

Leading Returning Scorer: Daniel Kinchen – 11.4

Top Non-conference Games: at Valpo, at Washington State, vs Winthrop

SIUE were the presesaon pick to finish last in the OVC and I tend to agree.

Southeast Missouri

2017-18 Record: 14-17 (8-10)

Finish: No postseason 

Leading Returning Scorer: Ledarrius Brewer – 14.5

Top Non-conference Games: at Saint Louis, at Florida State, at Bradley 

The loss of Denzel Mahoney will be tough for the squad formerly known as SEMO. The Redhawks were ineligible for the postseason last year due to their APR score, and may not make it again this season.