MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team returns to Taylor Center this weekend as it plays host to the Sioux Falls Cougars on Friday and the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs on Saturday. Game times 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 1,325-883 (.600) in 2,208 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 148-57 (.721) 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 Cougars: Friday's game between the Mavericks and Sioux Falls marks their 18th meeting all-time, with MSU controlling the all-time series with a 15-2 record. Last season, MSU defeated USF 68-67 on the road and 79-67 at home. Head coach
Matt Margenthaler owns a 12-1 record against the Cougars, including a 7-0 record in Taylor Center.
Sophomore
Cameron Kirksey averaged 9.5 points and 6.0 rebounds a game against the Cougars last season, while shooting 63.6% from the field. Sophomore
Cole Harper hit the game-winning shot as time expired in MSU's 68-67 win at Sioux Falls. As a team, MSU shot 50.5% from the field and forced 25 USF turnovers.
As a team, USF shot 39.6% from the field against the Mavericks last season, while averaging 31 rebounds a game. Drew Guebert averaged 17.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game last season against MSU.
Against the Mustangs: Saturday's game between the Mavericks and Southwest Minnesota State will be their 57th all-time meeting, with MSU leading the series with a 40-16 record. Last season, Southwest Minnesota State won both meetings against the Mavericks, including a 58-56 win in Marshall and a 67-64 win in Taylor Center. Head coach
Matt Margenthaler owns a 19-10 record against SMSU, including a 10-5 record at Taylor Center.
Senior
Charlie Brown averaged a team-leading 12.0 points per game last season, while junior
Cole Harper averaged 9.0 points and 5.0 rebounds a game. As a team, MSU shot 41.5% from the field and passed out 20 assists.
Ryan Bruggeman averaged 13.0 points and 5.0 assists per game against the Mavericks last season, while Carter Kirk posted 8.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. As a team, SMSU shot 45.9% from the field against Minnesota State.
Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State owns a 13-4 record, including a 9-2 NSIC record. Last weekend on the road, MSU fell to Minot State (91-83 OT) before besting the University of Mary 80-64.
Five Mavericks are averaging more than 11 points per game this season, including senior
Charlie Brown is averaging a team-leading 15.5 points per game. Sophomore
Kevin Krieger is posting 15.0 points and 6.0 rebounds a game as well.
As a team, MSU is shooting 48.6% from the field this season, including a 42.5% showing from long range. MSU is also hauling in 36.0 rebounds per game and has dished out 209 assists.
The Mavericks are led by
Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 17th season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 364-147 (.712).
Concerning the Cougars: Sioux Falls enters the weekend the owner of a 12-6 record, including a 7-5 NSIC record. USF has won its last two games against Minnesota Crookston (68-56) and Midland (90-61).
As a team, USF is averaging 80.2 points and 39.9 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 45.8% from the field. The Cougars have passed out 245 assists and have blocked 78 shots.
Drew Guebert is leading the USF offense with 20.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game this season. Trevon Evans is averaging 19.6 points and 5.6 rebounds a game as well.
USF is coached by Chris Johnson, who is in his 10th season. He owns a 168-128 record.
Concerning the Mustangs: Southwest Minnesota State enters the weekend with a 13-5 record, including a 9-3 NSIC record. SMSU has won its last three games, including a pair of wins at home against Minnesota Crookston (82-75) and Bemidji State (78-72) last weekend.
Ryan Bruggeman is averaging 16.6 points and 5.4 assists a game this season. Carter Kirk is posting 14.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game as well.
As a team, Southwest Minnesota State is averaging 80.4 points and 34.9 rebounds per game this season. The Mustangs are shooting 49.2% from the field, including a 40.8% showing from long range.
The Mustangs are coached by Brad Bigler who is in his ninth season at the helm of the SMSU men's basketball team. He owns a 149-106 record.
