MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team returns to Taylor Center for a five-game homestand beginning this weekend as it squares off with the University of Mary on Friday and Bemidji State on Saturday. Game times are scheduled for 8 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively.
 
Minnesota State History: The 2014-15 season marks the 93rd campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,261-856 (.595) in 2,117 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 104-39 (.727) 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: Minnesota State dropped both of its road games last weekend as it fell to Northern State 73-72 and MSU Moorhead 76-72.

Four Mavericks averaged at least 10.5 points per game, including senior Assem Marei who averaged 18.5 points per game. Sophomore Mike Busack averaged 13.5 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds per game, to go along with his first career double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds against MSU Moorhead.

Against the University of Mary: Friday's meeting between Minnesota State and the University of Mary marks the ninth all-time meeting between them. MSU owns a 7-1 record against the Marauders, including wins in their last three meetings

Last season, the Mavericks defeated the Marauders 88-67 in Taylor Center. Senior Assem Marei led the Mavericks in scoring with 21 points, while senior Zach Monaghan added 17 points and eight assists.

As a team, MSU tallied 38 points in the paint against U-Mary as it shot 55.2% from the field. The Mavericks also hauled in 44 rebounds compared to the Marauders 26.

MSU head coach Matt Margenthaler owns  a 7-1 overall record against the University of Mary, including a 4-0 record at Taylor Center.

Against Minot State: Saturday's game between the Mavericks and the Beavers will be the third meeting between them.

MSU has won the previous two encounters, including a 106-95 win in Taylor Center last season. Last season, MSU established a new single-game record of 17 three point shots made.

Senior Zach Monaghan tallied a career-high 31 points against the Beavers last season, to go along with 14 assists. Senior Assem Marei added 18 points and seven rebounds as well.

MSU head coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 2-0 record against Minot State.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of a 16-5 overall record and an 11-4 NSIC record. The Mavericks are currently sitting in fourth place in the NSIC standings.
 
Senior Assem Marei is leading the Mavericks with an average of 19.5 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Senior Zach Monaghan is averaging 14 points and 8.3 assists per contest as well.

As a team, the Mavericks are shooting 49.4% from the field, including a 41.8% showing from behind the arc to go along with 35.4 rebounds per game.

The Mavericks are outscoring their opponents by 11 points per game this season. MSU is also averaging 42.9 points in the second half.

Concerning the Marauders: The University of Mary enters the weekend the owner of a 6-14 record, including a 4-12 NSIC record. The Marauders have lost their last two games.

Marquealis Edwards is leading the U-Mary offense with 13.1 points per game, while Bryan Jefferson is averaging 10.6 points and a team-leading 5.8 rebounds per game.

As a team, U-Mary is averaging 71.9 points per game, to go along with 33.7 rebounds. The Marauders are shooting 46.8% from the field and have turned the ball over 236 times.

Jevin Budde is in his fourth season at the helm of the University of Mary men's basketball team. He owns a 25-75 overall record.

Concerning the Beavers: The Minot State Beavers own an 11-11 overall record, including a 6-10 record in league play. Last weekend, MISU defeated Wayne State 76-60, before falling to Augustana 87-58.

Everett Robinson is leading MISU in both scoring and rebounding with an average of 13.7 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Dominique McDonald is averaging 9.7 points and 4.3 assists per game.

As a team, MISU is shooting 46.3% from the field, including a 38.3% showing from behind the arc. The Beavers have also committed 268 turnovers.

Matt Murken is in his third season as head coach of Minot State. He owns a 75-63 overall record.

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