MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team begins a three-game road trip Tuesday at it travels to Concordia-St. Paul. The opening tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 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 1,280-863 (.597) in 2,143 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 117-44 (.726) 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 Weekend: Minnesota State went 1-1 last weekend at Taylor Center as the Mavericks fell to Bemidji State 75-74 in overtime, before defeating Minnesota Crookston 78-72. MSU now owns a 12-5 overall record and a 7-4 NSIC record which ranks fifth in the conference standings.

Four Mavericks averaged 10 points or more per game last weekend, including senior Jalen Pendleton, who averaged 16.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. Junior Jon Fuqua averaged 13.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game as well.

Junior TJ Okafor boasted a team-leading eight rebounds per game last weekend, while freshman Joey Witthus and senior Lucas Brown averaged 13 and 10 points per game, respectively.

As a team, MSU shot 46.7% from the field, including an 11-of-25 (.440) showing from three point land. The Mavericks also outrebounded their opponents 83-70 and passed out 26 assists, compared to 15 assists by their opponents. MSU also notched nine blocks and nine steals.

Against the Golden Bears: Tuesday's game between the Mavericks and Concordia-St. Paul marks the 26th all-time meeting between them, with MSU holding an 18-7 advantage, including an 86-59 win in Taylor Center earlier this season.

Senior Jalen Pendleton notched MSU's first-ever triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists against CSP. Freshman Joey Witthus added 24 points, on an 8-of-13 showing from behind the arc.

Matt Margenthaler owns a 17-5 record against Concordia-St. Paul, including a 7-3 record on the road.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the week with a 12-5 record, including a 7-4 NSIC record. MSU recently fell to Bemidji State 75-74 in overtime, before topping Minnesota Crookston 78-72.

Senior Jalen Pendleton is leading the Mavericks with 15.4 points and 4.9 assists per game, to go with 5.1 rebounds per contest. Junior Jon Fuqua is averaging 13 points and a team-leading 6.8 rebounds per game, while freshman Joey Witthus is leading MSU with 47 three point field goals.

As a team, Minnesota State is averaging 83.1 points per game, to go along with a 46.9% showing from the field. The Mavericks are also hauling in 39.8 rebounds per game and have passed out 262 assists.

Concerning the Golden Bears: Concordia-St. Paul enters the week the owner of a 6-11 record, including a 3-8 NSIC record, which place it in 14th place in the NSIC standings. CSP has won its last three games against Wayne State  (69-64), Minnesota Crookston (76-69) and Bemidji State (72-60), with of the wins coming on their home court.

Cole Olstad leads the CSP offense with 13.4 points per game. Olstad, who is averaging 5.5 rebounds per game, has passed out a team-leading 46 assists as well. Bryndan Matthews is averaging 10.9 points and a team-high 5.8 rebounds per game also.

As a team, the Golden Bears are averaging 72 points a game, to go with 38.7 rebounds. CSP is also shooting 42.2% from the field and 36.3% from behind the arc.

Joey Johnson is in his second season at the helm of the Golden Bear men's basketball program. He owns a 25-22 overall record.