Hardin-Simmons is the preseason favorite, Mary Hardin-Baylor is the defending champion, and the American Southwest Conference (ASC) men's basketball race has two additional teams entering 2026-27.
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After sharing last season's regular-season title, Hardin-Simmons and Mary Hardin-Baylor are separated by just three points in the preseason poll. With McMurry and Schreiner rejoining the conference basketball lineup, here's what to know before the new season.
1. Hardin-Simmons Is The Preseason Favorite
Hardin-Simmons tops the 2026-27 ASC preseason poll with 65 points and six first-place votes, narrowly ahead of Mary Hardin-Baylor's 62 points.
The Cowboys shared last season's regular-season championship after finishing 5-1 in conference play.
Senior forwards Chris Bryant and Asher Fleming, both All-Conference selections last season, return alongside senior guard Silas Davis, the ASC's 2025-26 Sportsmanship Athlete of the Year.
2. Mary Hardin-Baylor Is The Defending Champion
Mary Hardin-Baylor captured the 2026 ASC Tournament championship with a 90-81 comeback victory over Hardin-Simmons.
The Cru overcame an 11-point halftime deficit to win their fourth ASC Tournament title and first under head coach Sam Patterson.
Mary Hardin-Baylor advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament and finished 21-8 overall.
Graduate guard Jack Pease and senior wing Grant Jessen are among Mary Hardin-Baylor's 2026-27 Players to Watch selections as the Cru prepare to defend their conference championship.
3. The ASC Expands To Six Men's Basketball Teams
The ASC featured four men's basketball programs last season, but McMurry and Schreiner return to the conference in 2026-27, expanding the league to six teams.
Here's the official preseason poll:
- Hardin-Simmons: 65 points (6 first-place votes)
- Mary Hardin-Baylor: 62 points (6)
- Howard Payne: 37 points
- McMurry: 35 points
- Schreiner: 28 points
- East Texas Baptist: 25 points
Each team is scheduled to play 10 conference games, facing every other ASC program twice before the postseason.
4. Howard Payne And McMurry Could Challenge
Howard Payne finished third in the preseason poll with 37 points, just ahead of McMurry's 35.
The Yellow Jackets return senior forward Carter May and graduate guard Jordan McClendon, both named to the ASC Players to Watch list.
McMurry brings back sophomore guard Koye Rondeno, who averaged 11.0 points per game last season and was also named an ASC Player to Watch.
With both programs positioned just behind the preseason favorites, their performances could reshape the championship race.
5. The Conference Race Begins In January
ASC conference play begins Jan. 14, with several important matchups opening the league schedule.
Hardin-Simmons hosts crosstown rival McMurry, while Mary Hardin-Baylor welcomes Schreiner.
The defending regular-season co-champions meet twice in a seven-day span, with Hardin-Simmons hosting Mary Hardin-Baylor on Jan. 28 before traveling to Belton on Feb. 4.
The ASC Tournament is scheduled for Feb. 23 and Feb. 26-27, with games hosted by the highest seeds.
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