MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State returns to Taylor Center this weekend to take on the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs on Friday and the St. Cloud State Huskies 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 1,306-876 (.598) in 2,182 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 135-53 (.718) record to go with four regular-season championships and two tournament championships.

The Mavericks made their 13th appearance in the NCAA Tournament last 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 Outings: Minnesota State went 2-0 on the road last weekend as it defeated Minnesota Crookston (78-74) and Bemidji State (86-73). 

Against UMC, four Mavericks reached double-digits in the scoring column, including senior Joey Witthus, who tallied a team-high 16 points. Sophomore Cole Harper added 15 points and seven rebounds, while senior Jon Fuqua tallied 15 points and six rebounds. Junior Charlie Brown posted 11 points off the bench as well.

As a team, MSU shot 51.9% against the Golden Eagles, including a 5-of-11 (.455) showing from behind the arc. The Mavericks also passed out 12 assists and hauled in 32 rebounds.

Against the Beavers, Witthus led the Mavericks in with 19 points and eight rebounds, while senior Aarias Austin notched 17 points, which included a 5-of-8 performance from long range. Brown tallied 18 points, while freshman Cameron Kirksey posted 14 points and seven rebounds. 

As a team, Minnesota State tallied a season-high 14 three pointers against the Beavers, as they overcame an 18-point deficit to defeat BSU. MSU also passed out 19 assists and forced nine Bemidji State turnovers.

Against the Bulldogs: Friday's game between Minnesota State and Minnesota Duluth marks their 73rd all-time meeting with MSU controlling the all-time series with a 41-31 record. UMD won their only meeting last season by the score of 91-84.

Senior Jon Fuqua notched 11 points and four rebounds against the Bulldogs last season.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns an 18-5 overall record against Minnesota Duluth, including a 13-1 record at Taylor Center. 

Against the Huskies: Saturday's meeting between MSU and SCSU marks their 193rd all-time meeting. The Mavericks defeated St. Cloud State 79-62 in a nonconference road game earlier this season and have won their last six encounters with SCSU.

Senior Jon Fuqua posted 19 points and nine rebounds against SCSU, while sophomore Cole Harper tallied 14 points and nine rebounds. 

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 17-15 record against St. Cloud State, including a 10-6 record at Taylor Center. 

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State owns a 15-7 overall record, including a 10-6 NSIC record. The Mavericks defeated both Minnesota Crookston (78-74) and Bemidji State (86-73) on the road last weekend.

As a team, Minnesota State is averaging 80.1 points and 35.7 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 47.5% from the field. MSU has also passed out 295 assists and has tallied 76 blocks.

Sophomore Joey Witthus is averaging a team-leading 15.7 points per game, with Jon Fuqua following right behind with 15.6 points and 6.2 rebounds a game.

Matt Margenthaler is in his 16th season as head coach of the Mavericks and currently owns a 345-140 (.711) overall record, to go along with 11 NCAA Tournament appearances.

Concerning the Bulldogs: Minnesota Duluth enters the weekend the owner of a 4-18 overall record, including a 3-13 NSIC record. The Bulldogs have lost their last eight games, including a pair of losses to Augustana (90-67) and Wayne State (79-77) at home last weekend.
 
As a team, the Bulldogs are averaging 70.5 points and 32.8 rebounds a game this season. UMD is also shooting 42.7% from the field and is passing out 12.9 assists per game.

Luke Harris is leading the UMD offense with an average of 9.8 points a game. Brandon Myer is averaging 7.8 points and 4.3 rebounds a game as well.

The Bulldogs are coached by Matt Bowen, who is in his fourth season at UMD. He owns a 55-80 overall record.

Concerning the Huskies: St. Cloud State enters the weekend the owner of a 16-9 overall record, including a 12-4 NSIC record. The Huskies defeated Wayne State (84-80) and Augustana (91-83) at home last weekend.

The Huskies are averaging 83.6 points and 39.2 rebounds a game this season. SCSU is also shooting 47.3% from the field and is passing out 17.4 assists a game. 

Gage Davis is leading the SCSU offense with 22.2 points and 8.8 rebounds a game this season. Scottie Stone is averaging 19.3 points and 3.3 rebounds a game as well.

Matt Reimer is in his third season as head coach of the Huskies. He owns a 47-27 overall record at SCSU.