MANKATO, Minn. --- No. 17 Minnesota State wraps up its regular season schedule this weekend as it takes part in a pair of road games against Sioux Falls on Friday (8 p.m.) and Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday (7 p.m.).

MSU's Upcoming Opponents

Date	Opponent	Location	Time
2/21	Sioux Falls	Sioux Falls, S.D.	8 p.m.
2/22	Southwest Minnesota State	Marshall, Minn.	7 p.m.

Against Sioux Falls: Friday's encounter between the Mavericks and the Cougars represents the 11th meeting between them. MSU holds the series lead at 8-2, including a 109-64 win in their last meeting at Taylor Center earlier this season.

MSU head coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 5-1 record against USF, including a 1-1 record in Sioux Falls.

Against Southwest Minnesota State: Saturday's game between MSU and SMSU represents the 49th game between the Mavericks and the Mustangs. MSU leads the all-time series 35-13, including a 77-68 win at Taylor Center earlier this season.

MSU head coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 14-7 record against the Mustangs, including a 5-3 record in Marshall.

Championship Implications: Should Minnesota State defeat both Sioux Falls and Southwest Minnesota State this weekend, it will earn at least a share of the NSIC Regular Season and South Division Championships. Currently, MSU and Winona State are tied atop the NSIC standings with 17-3 records in league action.

NSIC Tournament: Due to its strong conference record, Minnesota State will serve as a host site for a first round game of the NSIC Tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 26. The Mavericks opponent has yet to be determined.

Concerning the Mavericks: MSU kept things rolling on the road this past weekend as it defeated Bemidji State (79-74) and Minnesota Crookston (82-55) to improve to 23-4 on the season, including a 17-3 NSIC record. The Mavericks have now won the last seven games, matching their previous seven game winning streak from earlier this season.

Junior Assem Marei led the way for the Mavericks this past weekend, as he averaged a team-high 19.5 points and 9.5 rebounds, in MSU's two wins. Senior Connor O'Brien averaged 15.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest, while junior Zach Monaghan notched 15.5 points and 10.5 assists per game. With his 21 assists this past weekend, Monaghan set a new MSU single-season record with 224 assists. Senior Gage Wooten averaged 10.5 points this past weekend, while sophomore Jaymeson Moten dropped in 11 points against UMC.

As a team, MSU is averaging 86.4 points and 40.5 rebounds per game. The Mavericks are also shooting 50.6% from the field, including a 40.5% showing from long range.

Marei leads the Mavericks with an average of 16.5 points and eight rebounds per game. Monaghan is currently averaging 15.4 points and 8.3 assists per game.
 
Concerning the Cougars: The Sioux Falls Cougars enter the weekend the owners of a 14-10 record, including an 11-9 record in NSIC action. Last weekend, USF defeated both Minot State (83-72) and the University of Mary (79-71 OT). The Cougars are 10-2 at home this season, with their only losses coming against Augustana and Northern State.

Charles Ward leads the Cougar offense with an average of 12.9 points, to go along with five rebounds per game. Derek Brown is averaging 12.3 points per game, while Robert Goffney has passed out a team-high 75 assists.

As a team, USF is averaging 79.7 points and 35.4 rebounds per game and is shooting 44.5% from the field.

The Cougars are coached by Chris Johnson, who is in his sixth season at the helm of the men's basketball program. He owns a 130-83 overall record.

Concerning the Mustangs: The Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs enter the weekend the owners of a 16-10 record, including a 13-7 record in league play. Last weekend, the Mustangs took a 74-65 loss to the University of Mary, before defeating Minot State 75-72. SMSU owns a 9-3 record at home this season, with its only three losses coming against Fort Hays State, Upper Iowa and Bemidji State.

Nick Smith leads the Mustang offense with an average of 11.8 points and seven rebounds per game. Vinard Birch is averaging 11 points per game and has passed out a team-high 112 assists.

As a team, SMSU is averaging 73.8 points and 34.1 rebounds per game and is shooting 49.4% from the field.

Southwest Minnesota State is coached by Brad Bigler, who is in his fifth season at SMSU. He owns a 79-60 record.

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