Mankato, Minn. --- The ninth-ranked Minnesota State men's basketball wraps up its regular season this weekend as it hosts Sioux Falls Friday (8 p.m.) and Southwest Minnesota State Saturday (6 p.m.).

What Just Happened: Minnesota State completed a 1-1 road trip this past weekend as it defeated Upper Iowa 67-54, before falling to #18 Winona State 75-64. With its 1-1 record last week, MSU now boasts a 20-4 record and a 16-4 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference record. The Mavericks and Warriors are tied atop the overall and south division standings with identical 16-4 league records.

MSU opened the week with a 67-54 win over Upper Iowa to claim its 20th win of the season. Their 20-win season marks the 13th time the Mavericks have won at least 20 games in a season.

Junior Connor O'Brien tallied his 12th career double double with a 13-point, 15-rebound performance. His 15 rebounds tied his previous career high. Sophomore Zach Monaghan led the Mavericks with 17 points against the Peacocks, while posting six assists and five steals. Junior Gage Wooten and sophomore Assem Marei added 10 points each, with Marei adding four blocks as well.

The Mavericks fell 75-64 in the weekend finale at Winona State. With the loss, the Mavericks fell to 20-4, including a 16-4 NSIC record. With the win, WSU improved to 16-4 in NSIC play and is now tied with MSU for the top spot in the NSIC standings.

Wooten led all MSU scorers with 13 points, to go along with eight rebounds. Monaghan passed out six assists, while Marei and junior Jimmy Whitehead each tallied 12 points.
    
Minnesota State History: The 2012-13 season marks the 91st campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men’s basketball. The Mavericks are 1,205-845 (.587) in 2,050 games since the program’s inception in the 1920-21 season. MSU capped its 33rd and final season as a member of the NCC in 2008 and owned a 283-267 (.515) record in 550 league games played. In the NSIC, MSU owns a 72-32 (.692) record to go with a pair of regular-season championships.

The Mavericks have made seven appearances in the NCAA Tournament, going 12-9 (.571) in those trips.

A Little About Sioux Falls: The Sioux Falls Cougars enter the weekend the owners of an 11-13 record, including a 7-12 NSIC record.  USF is in 12th place in the overall NSIC standings and ranks seventh in the south division standings.

The Cougars are 3-1 in their last four outings including a 77-57 loss to Wayne State in their most recent game. The loss ended USF's three-game winning streak which included wins over Augustana, Minot State and the University of Mary.

Sioux Falls is led by James Rader, who leads the team with an average of 12 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. A.J. Holland has passed out a team-high 56 assists, to go along with 100 rebounds and 28 steals.

The Cougars are coached by Chris Johnson, who is in his fifth season at the helm of the Sioux Falls men's basketball program.

Series History: Minnesota State is 6-2 all-time against Sioux Falls, including a 3-1 record under head coach Matt Margenthaler.

In their earlier meeting this season, MSU defeated Sioux Falls 74-52 at the Stewart Center. Sophomore Assem Marei posted a double double with 16 points and 13 rebounds, while senior Jarvis Williams added 17 points and seven rebounds.
    
A Little About Southwest MN State: The Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs enter the weekend the owners of a 15-12 record, including a mark of 12-8 in NSIC play. The Mustangs currently sit in a tie for sixth place in the overall standings with Northern State and in fifth place in the south division.

Southwest Minnesota State is 4-1 in its last five games including a 92-82 loss to Augustana in its most recent outing. The loss to the Vikings ended a four-game winning streak which  included wins over Minnesota, Crookston, the University of Mary, Minot State and Wayne State.

The Mustangs are led by Jordan Miller who is averaging 15 points per game, to go along with 98 assists. Nick Smith is leading SMSU in rebounds and blocks with 192 and 51, respectively.

Southwest Minnesota State is coached by Brad Bigler, who is in his fourth season at the helm of the SMSU men's basketball program.

Series History: The Mavericks are 33-13 all-time against the Mustangs, including a record of 11-7 under head coach Matt Margenthaler.

In their earlier meeting this season, the Mavericks defeated the Mustangs 85-84 in Marshall, Minn. Three Mavericks posted at least 20 points in MSU's win including senior Jarvis Williams, who posted a game-high 27 points. Sophomore Zach Monaghan dropped in 20 points, while sophomore Assem Marei tallied a double double with 23 points and 11 rebounds.

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