MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State begins NSIC competition this weekend at Taylor Center as it takes on the Wayne State Wildcats on Friday and the Augustana Vikings on Saturday. Tip-offs are scheduled for 8:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m., respectively.

Minnesota State History: The 2017-18 season marks the 96th campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,315-881 (.598) in 2,196 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 139-55 (.716) record to go with four regular-season championships and two tournament championships.

The Mavericks made their 13th appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2016. 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.

Against the Wildcats: Friday's game between Minnesota State and Wayne State marks their 26th all-time meeting. MSU owns a 22-3 record against WSC, including a pair of wins last season. Head coach Matt Margenthaler owns an 18-1 record against the Wildcats. The Mavericks have won their last 10 meetings against the Wildcats

Senior Charlie Brown averaged 13 points per game against the Wildcats last season, while junior Cole Harper averaged 5.5 points and 6.5 rebounds a game. As a team, MSU shot 49.5% from the field and passed out 29 assists.

Kendall Jacks averaged 19.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game against the Mavericks last season, while Austin Esters averaged 10.0 points and 7.5 rebounds a game. As a unit, WSC shot 44.7% from the field and held a 68-62 advantage in rebounds.

Against the Vikings: Saturday's meeting between Minnesota State and Augustana marks their 115th all-time meeting with MSU holding a 62-52 advantage in the series. AU won both meeting against the Mavericks last season and is currently on a five-game winning streak against MSU. Head coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 21-15 record against the Vikings.

Senior Charlie Brown averaged 7.0 points against the Viking last season, while junior Cole Harper tallied 6.0 points and 4.0 rebounds.

Jordan Spencer paced the AU offense last season against the Mavericks as he notched 18.5 points and 7.5 assists a game. John Warren averaged 9.0 points per game against the Mavericks last season as well.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State owns a 3-2 record this season, including a 72-64 loss to St. Cloud State last weekend.

Sophomore Kevin Krieger recorded his first career double-double against SCSU as he tallied 17 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Charlie Brown added 16 points against the Huskies, while sophomore Cameron Kirksey notched 11 points and six rebounds.

Brown leads the Maverick offense this season with 19.0 points per game. Krieger is averaging 14.6 points and 5.4 rebounds a game, with senior Chris Kendrix also adding 11.0 points and 5.0 rebounds a game.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 17th season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 354-145 (.709).

Concerning the Wildcats: Wayne State enters the weekend the owner of a 4-2 record, including a 1-0 NSIC record. WSC defeated  the New York Institute of Technology 78-57, before it fell to Missouri Southern State 79-77 last weekend.

As a unit, WSC is averaging 80.5 points and 32.8 rebounds a game this season. The Wildcats are also shooting 47.5% from the field and 72.9% from the free throw line.

Kendall Jacks leads the WSC offense with 17.5 points and 4.5 rebounds a game this season. Trevin Joseph is averaging 10.8 points per game as well.

Jeff Kaminsky is in his second season as head coach of the men's basketball at Wayne State. He owns a 14-21 record.

Concerning the Vikings: Augustana enters the weekend the owner of a 5-2 record, including a 73-53 road win against Chadron State in its most recent outing.

Jordan Spencer leads AU with 17.1 points and 8.3 assists a game this season. John Warren is averaging 14.6 points and 4.3 rebounds a game and Marcus Asmus is posting 12.1 points and a team-best 6.9 rebounds a game as well.

As a team, Augustana is averaging 86.0 points and 36.1 rebounds a game this season, while shooting 48.6% from the field, including a 42.1% showing from behind the arc. 

The Vikings are coached by Tom Billeter, who is in his 15th season at AU. He owns a 276-154 record at Augustana.