NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Belmont, the Ohio Valley Conference's defending tournament champs, has been tabbed as the preseason favorite not only to win the league's East Division but the conference title as well.

The Bruins received 21 of a possible 24 first-place votes in voting released Tuesday before the OVC's media day. UT Martin received two first-place votes, while defending regular season champ Murray State received one vote to win the overall league title.

Belmont has won the East each of the first three years of divisional play and picked up 22 of 24 first-place votes to win the East again from the league's coaches and sports information directors.

Murray State is the favorite to win the West.

Belmont guard Craig Bradshaw has been tabbed as the OVC's preseason player of the year.