MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team opens NSIC action this weekend as it take on #3 Augustana and Wayne State on the road. The Mavericks will face the Vikings on Friday, at 8:00 p.m., before wrapping up the weekend against the Wildcats on Saturday, at 6:00 p.m.

Minnesota State History: The 2015-16 season marks the 94th campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,274-860 (.597) in 2,134 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 110-40 (.733) record to go with four regular-season championships and two tournament championships.

The Mavericks made their 12th appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season. MSU owns a 15-12 record (.555) in NCAA Tournament play and most recently lost to Northwest Missouri State 59-56. The Mavericks have hosted four of the last six NCAA Central Region Tournaments at Taylor Center.
 
About Last Week: The Mavericks went 2-0 this past weekend with victories over Peru State (92-73) and Grand View (83-65) at Taylor Center. With the wins, MSU improved to 5-1 on the season and has now won its last five games.

Four Mavericks averaged at least 12.5 points last week, including junior Mike Busack who averaged a team-leading 18.5 points per game, to go along with 6.5 rebounds per game. Senior Jalen Pendleton and freshman Joey Witthus each averaged 15 points per contest, with Pendleton also notching 5.5 rebounds and six assists per game as well. Junior Jon Fuqua notched a team-high eight rebounds per game last week, while netting 12.5 points per game as well.

As a team, MSU averaged 87.5 points per game last week, while shooting 48.9% from the field and 40% from behind the arc. The Mavericks also hauled in 42 rebounds per game and passed out 18.5 assists.

Against the Vikings: Friday's meeting between Minnesota State and Augustana marks the 111th meeting between them with MSU holding the series edge at 62-48.

Head coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 21-11 overall record against the Vikings, including an 8-6 record in road games. Last season, MSU and Augustana split the season series with Augustana winning the last encounter 98-89 in overtime in Sioux Falls.

Against the Wildcats: Saturday's encounter between MSU and Wayne State marks the 22nd all-time meeting between them, with MSU holding an 18-3 advantage in the series.

Head coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 14-1 all-time record against WSC, including a 6-0 record on the road. Last season, the Mavericks went 2-0 against the Wildcats, including an 89-83 road victory in their most recent encounter.

Concerning the Mavericks: The Minnesota State Mavericks enter the weekend with a 5-1 record, including wins in their last two outings against Peru State (92-73) and Grand View (83-65). MSU has now won its last five games.

Five Mavericks are averaging 11 points or more this season, including junior Mike Busack who is leading the team with 13.7 points per game. Junior Jon Fuqua is averaging 13 points and a team-high 6.8 rebounds per game. Senior Jalen Pendleton is averaging 11.5 points, six rebounds and 4.1 assists per game as well.

As a team, MSU is averaging 84.8 points per game, to go along with a 45.8 shooting percentage. The Mavericks have also passed out 105 assists and have forced 78 turnovers.

Concerning the Vikings: The Augustana Vikings enter the weekend the owners of a 4-1 overall record, including wins in their last four games. Last weekend, AU defeated Turabo (83-69) and American (93-61). The Vikings also own a 1-0 NSIC record.

Through five games, Casey Schilling leads the Vikings with 18.8 points and 12 rebounds per game, with Daniel Jansen following with 17.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Alex Richter averaging 15.4 points per game and is shooting 56.5% from behind the arc.

As a team, Augustana is averaging 87 points and 40.8 rebounds per game, while shooting 46.4% from the field. AU has passed out 95 assists and has committed 65 turnovers as well.

Augustana is coached by Tom Billeter, who is in his 13th season at the helm of the men's basketball program. He owns a 217-142 overall record.  

Concerning the Wildcats: The Wayne State Wildcats enter the week the owners of a 1-4 overall record, including a pair of losses to Augustana (94-69) and William Jewell (90-87) in their latest outings. WSC's scheduled game against Nebraska-Kearney was postponed due to weather. Wayne State is also 0-1 in NSIC action.

Matt Thomas is leading the WSC offense with 17.8 points per game, to go with 17 assists. Jordan Corneluis is averaging 10 points and five rebounds per game as well.

As a unit, Wayne State is averaging 76.4 points per game, but is giving up 87.8 points per contest. Opponents are shooting 51.4% from the field against WSC, with the Wildcats shooting 45.1% from the field.

Brian Dolan is in his third season as head coach of the Wildcats. He owns a 17-45 overall record at Wayne State.

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