MANKATO, Minn. --- The 16th-ranked Minnesota State men's basketball team begins a four-game road trip this weekend as it take on Wayne State on Friday at 8 p.m., before traveling to #12 Augustana for a Saturday evening game scheduled for 6 p.m.
 
Minnesota State History: The 2014-15 season marks the 93rd campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,256-853 (.595) in 2,109 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 an 99-36 (.733) record to go with four regular-season championships and two tournament championships.

The Mavericks made their 11th appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season. MSU owns a 15-11 record (.576) in NCAA Tournament play and most recently defeated Harding (97-56) in the first round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament before falling to Northwest Missouri State 71-66. The Mavericks have now hosted four of the last five NCAA Central Region Tournaments at Taylor Center.

About Last Week: The Mavericks opened the 2015 calendar year with a couple of wins last weekend as they topped St. Cloud State (85-81) and Minnesota Duluth (86-71). The Mavericks are now 6-0 at Taylor Center this season, to go along with a 6-1 NSIC record.

Against SCSU, senior Assem Marei established new career-highs with 32 points and 15 rebounds, while senior Zach Monaghan tallied 19 points and 10 assists.

The following night against UMD, Marei notched another double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while sophomore Mike Busack tallied 18 points. Freshman TJ Lake added 13 points and five rebounds as well.

For his efforts this past weekend, Marei was named the NSIC South Division Player of the Week. This is the second time this season Marei has received the honor.

Against Wayne State: This weekend marks the second time the Mavericks will take on Wayne State. MSU defeated the Wildcats earlier this season at Taylor Center.

MSU has won its last five games against Wayne State and owns an all-time record of 17-3 against the Wildcats. MSU head coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 13-1 record against WSC.

In their last meeting, MSU defeated Wayne State 82-62. Sophomore Mike Busack led the Mavericks with 20 points and seven rebounds, while senior Zach Monaghan added 14 points and seven assists.

Against Augustana: Saturday's meeting marks the second time the Mavericks and the Vikings will square off this season. MSU defeated AC earlier this season at Taylor Center.

MSU owns a 62-47 all-time record against the Vikings, including wins in their last five meetings. Head coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 21-10 record against Augustana.

In their most recent meeting, Minnesota State defeated Augustana 81-67. Senior Zach Monaghan tallied a season-high 29 points, to go along with six assists, while senior Assem Mareiposted 25 points and 14 rebounds.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the own of an 11-2 overall record and 6-1 NSIC record. The Mavericks are currently sitting in third place in the NSIC standings.

Senior Assem Marei is leading the Mavericks with an average of 18.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Senior Zach Monaghan is averaging 12.9 points and 8.2 assists per contest as well.

As a team, the Mavericks are shooting 49.3% from the field, including a 41.7% showing from behind the arc.

MSU is bringing down 36.3 rebounds per game and is outscoring its opponents by an average of 12.3 points per game.

Concerning the Wildcats: Wayne State enters the week the owner of a 3-11 record, including a 0-8 record in NSIC play. The Wildcats have lost their last three games, including an 80-77 loss to Sioux Falls in their last outing.

Patrick Kurth leads the Wildcat offense with an average of 13.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. Trae VandeBerg is averaging 9.4 points per game as well.

As a team, WSC is averaging 70.4 points per game and is shooting 45.5% from the field.

Brian Dolan is in his second season at the helm of the Wayne State men's basketball team. He owns a 12-30 overall record.

Concerning the Vikings: Augustana enters the weekend the owner of a 13- record, including wins in its last six games. The Vikings topped Southwest Minnesota State 96-77 in their latest outing.

Daniel Jansen is leading the Augustana offense with an average of 18.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Casey Schilling is averaging 16.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game as well.

The Vikings are averaging 84.3 points per game and have limited their opponents to 65.9 points per game. As a unit, Augustana is shooting 48.4% from the field.

Tom Billeter is in his 12th season at the helm of the Augustana men's basketball team. He owns a 292-189 career record.

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