ATLANTA, Ga. - Lee University has been voted by the coaches to win the SSAC men's basketball championship just a few votes (55) ahead of Auburn University-Montgomery (51) and Emmanuel College (45). Last year, the Flames who finished the year at 14-4 in the conference and 26-8 overall, won the SSAC tournament championship while AUM won the regular season championship. 6'4" Senior Josh Nofflet finished the year strong as the MVP of the SSAC Tournament and will be counted on early for the Flames.

AUM lost only three times in the regular season competition while winning 15 games. They finished the year with an overall record of 26-7. Lee and AUM who both advanced to the national tournament received four (4) and two (2) first place votes, respectively. Two-time All-SSAC senior guard Kip Small leads the Senators.

Emmanuel College also received two first place votes due primarily to the return of several of the top perimeter players in the conference in 5'9" guard, Ben Brim and 6'2" wing player and two-time all-conference performer, Tedrick Hudson

Only fifteen points separate the teams ranked from #1 through #5. Shorter College is third with 55 points followed by Southern Poly State and Faulkner University who both tallied 41 points and tied for fourth in the voting.

This year's championship tournament will be held at the Forum on the river in Rome, Georgia from March 4-6.

Listed below is the complete 2009 SSAC Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll:

1. Lee University (7) 56 (4)
2. A70uburn University-Montgomery 51 (2)
3. Emmanuel College 45 (2)
4. Southern Poly State University 41
5. Faulkner University 41
6. Shorter College 27
7. Brewton Parker College 16
8. Southern Wesleyan Univ. 11