Photo courtesy of SPX Sports

MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State wraps up its four-game homestand this weekend as it hosts Minnesota Duluth on Friday at 7:30 p.m., and St. Cloud State on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

Minnesota State History: The 2018-19 season marks the 97th campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,348-893 (.601) in 2,241 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 163-63 (.721) record to go with four regular-season championships and two tournament championships.

The Mavericks made their 14th appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season. MSU owns an 18-14 record (.562) in NCAA Tournament play, including its 60-50 win over Northwest Missouri State, a 74-70 win over Southwest Minnesota State and a 90-83 loss to Northern State last season.

Against the Bulldogs: Friday's meeting between Minnesota State and Minnesota Duluth represents their 75th game between them, with MSU leading the all-time series 43-31. MSU has won its last two games against Minnesota Duluth, including a 76-58 road win last season.

Junior Cameron Kirksey posted 11 points, three rebounds and two blocks against the Bulldogs, while junior Carter Asche posted nine points and three rebounds.

As a unit, Minnesota State shot 42.9% from the field against the Bulldogs, including an 8-of-18 (.444) showing from long range. The Mavericks also hauled in 44 rebounds and passed out 15 assists.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 20-5 record against Minnesota Duluth, including a 14-1 record at Taylor Center.

Against the Huskies: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and St. Cloud State will be their 179th all-time meeting between them, with SCSU leading the series 91-87. Earlier this season, the Mavericks defeated the Huskies 80-77 in overtime on the road.

Both juniors Cameron Kirksey and Kevin Krieger notched double-doubles in MSU's win over SCSU earlier this season. Kirksey tallied 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Krieger posted 24 points and 14 rebounds.

As a team, MSU shot 44.6% from the field against he Huskies. The Mavericks also hauled in 43 rebounds and scored 11 points off of 11 SCSU turnovers.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 19-17 record against the Huskies, including an 11-7 record at Taylor Center.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of a 12-4 record and sits in a tie for second place in the NSIC standings with an 8-2 conference record. Last weekend, MSU fell to Sioux Falls 74-46, before defeating Southwest Minnesota State 101-72.

So far this season, MSU is averaging 83.8 points and 39.7 rebounds per game, while shooting 45.4% from the field. The Mavericks have dished out 238 assists and have forced 166 turnovers.

Four Mavericks are averaging more than 13 points a game this season, including junior Cameron Kirksey who is averaging a team-best 16.8  points per game, to go along with 5.8 rebounds a game. Senior Carlos Anderson is posting 14.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, while junior Kevin Krieger is averaging 14.0 points and a team-high 8.4 rebounds a game. Junior Juwan McCloud is recording 13.3 points and 3.1 assists a game as well.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 18th season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 387-157 (.711).
    
Concerning the Bulldogs: Minnesota Duluth enters the weekend the owner of an 8-6 record and sits in eighth place in the NSIC standing with a 5-5 conference record. Last weekend, UMD fell to U-Mary 100-98 in triple overtime, before defeating Minot State 77-70 in Duluth.
 
Minnesota Duluth is averaging 77.4 points and 36.0 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 46.2% from the field. The Bulldogs are also shooting 37.4% from behind the three point line and have recorded 97 steals.

Brandon Myer leads the team with 21.6 points and 9.9 rebounds per game this season, while Sean Burns has averaged 14.1 points and 7.8 rebounds a game.

Minnesota Duluth is coached by Justin Wieck, who is in his first season at UMD.

Concerning the Huskies: St. Cloud State enters the weekend the owner of a 12-4 record, and sits in a tie for fourth place in the NSIC standings with a 7-3 league record. SCSU has won its last three games, including a pair of home wins vs. Minot State (89-54) and the University of Mary (60-58) last weekend.

SCSU is averaging 80.6 points and 37.1 rebounds a game this season, while shooting 47.2% from the field. The Huskies have also forced 186 turnovers and are averaging 13.5 assists a game.

Gage Davis is leading SCSU with 23.0 points and 8.2 rebounds per game this season. Sean Smith is posting 13.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game this season and has notched a team-leading 50 assists.

The Huskies are coached by Matt Reimer, who is in his fifth season at SCSU. He owns an 86-55 record.