Incarnate World Texas State

Coach:

Jeff Dow (14-15 in one season).

Last year: 14-15, 10-10; seventh in Southland Conference (conference tournament canceled)

Outlook: Picked to finish last in the Southland entering the 2019-20 season, the Cardinals made a surprising surge under first-year coach Jeff Dow, reaching the conference tournament for the first time in program history. But UIW enters this season without more than 70 percent of last year’s scoring and rebounding, losing seven players to graduation or transfer. Kara Speer, the Cardinals’ only senior and returning starter, is expected to take on an expanded role after averaging 7.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game last season. The Cardinals also will lean on a crop of 11 newcomers — eight freshmen and three transfers.

Coach: Zenarae Antoine (138143 in 10 seasons).

Last year: 13-17, 6-12; 10th in Sun Belt Conference and lost in first round of conference tournament

Outlook: Despite winning three of its final four regular season games last year, Texas State is picked to finish 11th of 12 teams in the Sun Belt Conference. Da’Nasia Hood, a preseason all-conference selection, is expected to lead the Bobcats after averaging 13.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game last season. Kennedy Taylor returns to the starting point guard role after leading the Sun Belt with 5.9 assists per game in 2019-20, and Ja’Kayla Bowie and Avionne Alexander are projected to step into larger roles.

Greg Luca and Nick Moyle