ANNVILLE, Pa (Oct. 22, 2025) -- The DeSales University men's basketball team has been picked third overall in the MAC Freedom Preseason coaches' poll as voted on by the eight MAC Freedom coaches and as released by the conference office on Wednesday morning.
DeSales totaled 34 points, eight points behind Stevens who received 42 points and two first place votes. Arcadia was picked as the preseason favorite, totaling six first place votes and a total of 48 points. Right behind the Bulldogs is Delaware Valley with 33 points.
DeSales is comming off a 13-12 season, going 7-7 in MAC Freedom Conference play.
The Bulldogs are returning sophomore Jayden Thomas, who played in all 25 games last season, ranking second on the team averaging 14.4 points per game. Thomas finished the year, averaging 4.9 rebounds per game. Senior Brendan Boyle is also returning for the Bulldogs, after finishing last season with 38 3's and averaging 7.2 points per game.
Sophomore Luke Keppel also returns, after starting in all 25 games in the 2024-25 season. He totaled 37 3's on the season, averaging 7.4 points per game.
Head coach Scott Coval returns for his 33rd year sporting a career record of 583-274 (.680). He enters the 2025-26 season ranked third in victories among all active NCAA Division III coaches and is 40th all-time in NCAA Division III in total wins.
DeSales will open the season at the University of Scranton tip-off tournament taking on Neumann University on Friday, November 7th. The home season begins on November 15th when the Bulldogs take on Hunter College. MAC Freedom play begins on January 7, against FDU Florham at home.
MAC Freedom Preseason Poll
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Arcadia – 48 (6 first place votes)
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Stevens – 42 (2 first place votes)
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DeSales – 34
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Delaware Valley – 33
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Misericordia – 26
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FDU-Florham – 20
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Lebanon Valley – 13
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King's - 8
