FAIRMONT, W. Va. - The West Liberty University men’s basketball team has been selected as the Mountain East Conference preseason favorite following a vote of the league’s 12 head coaches.

The MEC men’s basketball preseason poll was announced Tuesday afternoon at the WesBanco Arena, the site of this year’s basketball media day.

West Liberty received 11 of 12 total first-place votes, the maximum allowed since league head coaches cannot vote for their own team. 

The Hilltoppers claimed the Mountain East Conference crown last year, marking the program's fifth conference championship title and 17th straight NCAA DII Men’s Basketball Tournament appearance. West Liberty posted a 27-5 overall record and 18-2 conference mark, concluding their season during the opening round of the NCAA Atlantic Regional Tournament against Virginia Union in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Glenville State University received the remaining first place vote, tying Fairmont State University for second place as both teams received 101 points. The University of Charleston and Wheeling University rounded out the top-five of the poll, with 98 and 84 points, respectively. 

The 2026-27 MEC men’s basketball season begins on Nov. 7 as West Liberty will travel to the Small College Basketball Tip-off in Lakeland, Florida. 

2026-27 MEC Men’s Basketball Preseason Poll 
School                            Points
West Liberty (11)                121
Glenville State (1)               101
Fairmont State                    101
Charleston                            98
Wheeling                              84
Concord                               61
Frostburg State                    56
West Virginia State              47
Shawnee State                    46
Davis & Elkins                     43
Point Park                           23
WV Wesleyan                     11