MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team wraps up its five-game homestand this weekend as it takes on Minot State on Friday and the University of Mary on Saturday. Game times are set for 8:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m., respectively.

Minnesota State History: The 2016-17 season marks the 95th campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,302-874 (.598) in 2,176 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 a 131-51 (.719) record to go with four regular-season championships and two tournament championships.

The Mavericks made their 13th appearance in the NCAA Tournament this past season. MSU owns a 16-13 record (.551) in NCAA Tournament play, including an 85-81 win over MSU Moorhead and an 82-60 loss to Northwest Missouri State in the most recent trip to the tournament.

About Our Last Outing: Minnesota State defeated Concordia-St. Paul at Taylor Center earlier this week by the score of 76-56. The Mavericks have now won six of their last seven games. 

Senior Jon Fuqua led the Mavericks with 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists and five steals against the Golden Bears. Sophomore Joey Witthus notched 18 points and three rebounds, while freshman Cameron Kirksey tallied 12 points and four rebounds.

As a team, the Mavericks shot 51.7% from the field against the Golden Bears, to go along with a 10-of-12 (.833) performance from the free throw line. MSU also passed out 15 assists and recorded 10 steals.

Against the Beavers: Friday's game between the Mavericks and the Beavers marks their fifth all-time meeting, with the Mavericks winning all four of their previous encounters. Last season, the Mavericks defeated the Beavers 73-63 on the road.

Senior Jon Fuqua posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while sophomore Joey Witthus netted a team-leading 16 points.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 4-0 record against Minot State, including a 2-0 record at Taylor Center.

Against the Marauders: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and the University of Mary represents the 12th meeting between them, with MSU holding a 9-2 series edge. The Mavericks defeated U-Mary 76-71 on the road, before the Marauders topped the Mavericks 96-91 in overtime in the second round of the NSIC Tournament.

Senior Jon Fuqua averaged 21.5 points and 10.0 rebounds a game against U-Mary last season, while sophomore Joey Witthus averaged 11.5 points and 5.5 rebounds a game.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 9-2 record against U-Mary, including a 5-0 record at Taylor Center.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State owns an 11-5 overall record, including a 6-4 NSIC record. The Mavericks defeated Concordia-St. Paul 76-56 in their most recent outing.

As a team, Minnesota State is averaging 83.3 points and 36.1 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 47.8% from the field. MSU has also passed out 216 assists and has tallied 55 blocks.

Sophomore Joey Witthus is averaging a team-leading 16.3 points per game, while senior Jon Fuqua has posted 16.0 points and a team-best 6.8 rebounds a game.

Matt Margenthaler is in his 16th season as head coach of the Mavericks and currently owns a 341-138 (.711) overall record, to go along with 11 NCAA Tournament appearances.

Concerning the Beavers: Minot State enters the weekend the owner of a 7-9 overall record, including a 3-7 NSIC record. The Beavers lost their most recent games against MSU Moorhead (82-74) and Northern State (94-88) last weekend.
 
As a team, the Beavers are averaging 80.3 points and 33.5 rebounds a game. MISU is shooting 50.4% from the field, including a 41.1% showing from behind the arc. 

Tyler Rudolph is leading Minot State with an average of 20.2 points and 9.1 rebounds per game this season. Luis Ricci Maia is boasting 13.4 points and 4.3 assists per game as well.

Minot State is coached by Matt Murken, who is in his fifth season at Minot State. He owns a 54-74 overall record.

Concerning the Marauders: The University of Mary enters the weekend the owner of a 5-11 overall record, including a 3-7 NSIC record. U-Mary is currently on a six-game losing streak, including losses to Northern State (83-60) and MSU Moorhead (84-69) last weekend.

The Marauders are averaging 73.1 points and 30.1 rebounds per game this season. U-Mary is also shooting 45.4% from the field and 35.2% from behind the three point line. 

Bryan Jefferson leads the University of Mary with an average of 15.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Damonta Henry is averaging 13.9 points a game, and leads U-Mary with 33 three point shots made.

Joe Kittell is in his second season at the University of Mary. He owns a 24-23 overall record.