Men's Basketball Receives Eight Votes in AP Preseason Poll

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Belmont University men's basketball received eight Top 25 votes in The Associated Press' 2011-12 preseason college basketball poll, released Friday.

The Bruins, who earned national Top 25 poll votes for nine consecutive weeks from Jan. 17 to Mar. 14, went 30-5 last season en route to their fourth NCAA Tournament appearance in the last six years.

Belmont is picked to defend its Atlantic Sun Conference championship, returning 10 of its top 12 scorers from a year ago.

"We greatly appreciate the recognition and confidence voters have shown in us," Belmont head coach Rick Byrd said. "But we understand that it is of more importance, and significance, to be worthy of such consideration later in the season."

Belmont opens regular season play Nov. 11 at No. 6 Duke, as part of the EA Sports Maui Invitational. The Bruins then play at No. 11 Memphis Nov. 15.

North Carolina received 62 of a possible 65 first-place votes to place atop the AP Top 25 poll.

For information on purchasing Belmont Basketball season tickets, contact the Curb Event Center Box Office at (615) 460-BALL or visit the Bruins Online at www.belmontbruins.com.