With 16-games to be played over 8 weeks and teams playing the same opponent at one site on back-to-back days, the Augustana University men's basketball team is favored in the 2020-21 NSIC Coaches Preseason Poll. The defending NSIC champs, University of Sioux Falls was picked second.

The Vikings will return their entire starting lineup from last year's squad ranked #13 by the NABC and begin the season on the road with a pair at MSU Moorhead who is ranked #2 in the NSIC North Division poll.

University of Sioux Falls returns eight players for the season with NSIC Coach of the Year Chris Johnson back at the helm after going 17-5 last season.

USF plays its first double-header at home against UMary.

Northern State was the unanimous choice in the north.

The 2020-21 season will start with two non-conference games against one NSIC out-of-division opponent. The conference schedule will then consist of 14 games with teams playing each member of its division twice. For this season, the NSIC will only crown a North Division and South Division Champion.

The NSIC / Sanford Health Men’s & Women's Basketball Tournament Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Championships are set to take place Thursday-Sunday, February 25-28 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls. The top four teams from each division will make up the eight-team field for the 2021 tournament.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

CDC Safe Holiday Recommendations

More From KSOO-AM / ESPN Sioux Falls